- Lacto Vegetarian: A diet which excludes meat, poultry, fish and eggs. May contain milk and milk products.
- Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian: A diet which excludes meat, poultry, and fish. May contain eggs, milk and milk products.
- Lacto-Ovo-Pesco: A diet which excludes meat, and poultry. May contain fish, eggs, milk and milk products.
- Vegan - A diet which excludes meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. May contain fruits, grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Vehicle Search: The visual and physical search of a vehicle.
- Verbal and/or physical aggression
- Attack, threats
- Harassment
- Intimidation
- Other disruptive behavior in any form, or by any media, which causes or could cause a reasonable person to:
- Fear physical harm by any individual(s) or group(s) against any person(s) or property.
Violent Offender: An offender who has a current conviction determined by the DOC to be a violent felony offense. The offenses outlined in a statute reflects acts of violence in which the offender used, or possessed and threatened the use of, a deadly weapon during the commission or attempted commission of any crime committed against the elderly at-risk adult or handicapped, or any other specific crime.
Letter V — Terminology FAQ
Common questions about terms starting with VWhat happens when a sentence is vacated and what are the next steps?
When a sentence is vacated, the legal conviction is nullified. The inmate is typically transferred from their DOC facility to the county jail of the sentencing court to await further proceedings. The case returns to the trial court level where the judge may: dismiss charges if the defect cannot be corrected, order a new trial, or resentence under corrected procedures. Time already served typically counts toward any new sentence. The inmate has no automatic right to immediate release -- they remain in custody during the proceedings.
What is a violent offender and how does the classification affect their sentence?
A violent offender classification applies to inmates whose current conviction involved use or threatened use of a deadly weapon, or crimes against vulnerable victims. The designation affects multiple aspects of incarceration: security level (likely Medium or above), programming requirements (violence prevention programs may be mandatory), parole eligibility (often must serve a higher minimum percentage), and community placement (later eligibility for halfway house). The classification is based on the current conviction, not prior history alone.
How does the visit approval process work in federal prison?
To visit a federal inmate, the visitor submits a visiting request form through the BOP visiting program. The warden approves or denies based on a background review. Approved visitors are added to the inmate's visiting list. On visiting days, visitors must present valid government-issued ID, comply with dress code, and follow all facility rules. Children visiting must be accompanied by an adult on the approved list. Contact visits allow brief physical contact; non-contact visits are used for inmates in restricted housing.
What is a vehicle search and what authority does the DOC have?
A vehicle search is the visual and physical inspection of a vehicle entering or leaving a correctional facility. All vehicles -- including staff, vendor, and visitor vehicles -- are subject to search when entering DOC property. Searches can include visual inspection of the interior, trunk, and undercarriage, and may involve canine units trained to detect drugs and contraband. Consent is implied by entering DOC property. Refusal to consent to a search results in denial of entry.
Know the Terms. Understand the System.
The JailGuide prison survival guide explains what these terms mean in practice — how searches actually happen, what a lockdown looks like day to day, and what families need to know to stay connected. Written from direct federal experience.
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