Mcdowell County Jail – Marion, NC

Mcdowell County Jail is located in Mcdowell County, North Carolina and is the main jail for this county. Know somebody in Mcdowell County Jail? This page tells you about everything related to Mcdowell County Jail: Find an inmate at Mcdowell County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Mcdowell County court information. And lots more.

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The chance of going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to offer info you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, just ask them, and also any feedback or comments that might be a benefit to others would be welcome.

General Information

Address

Mcdowell County Jail
593 Spaulding Road
Marion, NC 28752

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: 828-652-2236
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and need to find out where they are?

Has somebody that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

To search who’s in jail at Mcdowell County Jail you will have to click on their link and perform an inmate lookup.

Inmate Lookup

The Mcdowell County Jail Inmate Lookup is an online list of persons who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you can get information on anybody booked or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find the information quicker if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be in another county jail you can look here, too: List of all jails in North Carolina


Mugshots

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photo, is a photograph taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. They take one and one profile photo. Your full name and intake number will be in the pictures, and they will be on file at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of Mcdowell County Jail prisoners can be seen online, or you can see them in person at the Mcdowell County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you have to enter the legal name, and the booking date, if you have it.

Mugshot Search

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Last Name

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken off of the Mcdowell County Jail site? This will be difficult, because your mugshot is a public record. You need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Obviously, once you are arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about getting out. After booking, your bail amount is determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and until that day you will not be permitted to leave the county.

Usually, an inmate at Mcdowell County Jail are given early release in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will have to stay the jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you might have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay is determined by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was set before you can be released from jail. If you fail to show up for your court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will not get their money back.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you must call the jail. If know the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Needing to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but usually, it’s really easy. First of all, figure out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you won’t be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they will not take a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the person will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

Bail Bondsman

If their bail has been set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and in most cases charge a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman will ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To contact a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Mcdowell County

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to tell your story

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Get Time Off For Good Behavior
  • Work Release
  • Get Out For Time Served
  • Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
  • Released On House Arrest
  • Get Released on Your Own Recognizance


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The intake process takes you through the following steps:

  • They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • Firstly, you will answer some simple questions, such as your legal name, your address, birthdate and a contact person.
  • You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
  • You will be issued an inmate ID.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • They will take your mugshot.
  • All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
  • They will allow you to make a phone call to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
  • If you are expected to be released quickly, you might get to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any secrets that might help other people that get arrested get through jail intake?

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Discharge Procedures

Once bail has been posted, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process will take from 30 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster you can pay your bail, the quicker you can get released from jail. It also might depend on whether or not you have a cash bond amount or if a magistrate has to figure out how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a release date, you should plan to get discharged in the morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

If the police have a, or if you have to start your sentence, you should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail intake center, and tell someone that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they find one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you are not late to report. Only bring necessary items with you, for example your driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

To have visitors, you need to list information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will go into the visitation log as an approved visitor. Each visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so check the official site before you visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are usually more expensive than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone calls might get cut back or forbidden.

Phone Number: 828-652-2236

Sending Mail to Inmates

All inmate mail must be sent using US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of mail delivery. You should print the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the letter. Don’t send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail gets opened and reviewed by the jail officers, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

Mailing Address

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Mcdowell County Jail:

Mcdowell County Jail
593 Spaulding Road
Marion, NC 28752

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Mcdowell County Jail
593 Spaulding Road
Marion, NC 28752


The mail policy changes, so you should visit the official Mcdowell County Jail site when send a letter to someone in jail there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

If you have been arrested, you still have rights, one of these is that you have the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is important to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you call them. You might be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you find your way through the complicated legal system in your county. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on this, visit: How to Find a Lawyer in Mcdowell County

Public Defender

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. Public Defenders are licensed lawyers who are admitted to the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? How did they do?

Court Records

All court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records include a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents in the case. You can access the records and documents in your court case via the Mcdowell County website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

The Mcdowell County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records relating to your case are kept and available to you at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your court case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

Magistrate

The Mcdowell County court magistrate is the judge that rules on your case in court. Magistrate judges do a number of different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the defendant’s background and information about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim in the crime. Remember you can request to receive your own copy of the report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

Sentencing

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To find this out you need to access the Mcdowell County jail website, and do a search using:

  • Name.
  • Birth date.
  • Their approximate booking date.
  • and their jail ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

Warrant Inquiry

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry on the Mcdowell County court website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you have a first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and the information is freely available.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, like court orders. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Mcdowell County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see these offenders online, but remember that you can’t get the street address, but only the block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public records. They include a court case file that contains a court docket and any of the documents filed in your court case. You are able to access the court records via the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Every state keeps a record of people’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You can go to the Mcdowell County Courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal history search you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any of the following crimes:

  • DUI.
  • Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
  • Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
  • Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you will not learn if someone has had any moving violations, like:

  • Tickets for speeding.
  • Drivers license suspended or revoked.
  • Accidents.
  • Other moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To find driving records, you have to do a search for their driving record.

    Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you call the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your account may help other people that are in the same situation.

    Speak Your Mind

    Most Wanted

    On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Mcdowell County, the Mcdowell County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

    FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    Everyone knows that getting locked up in Mcdowell County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

    Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Mcdowell County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

    Dress Code

    When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Mcdowell County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

    How To Send Money to an Inmate

    You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

    The process for sending funds to someone in jail changes, so it would be best to visit the the Mcdowell County Jail website before you send money to an inmate.

    Commissary

    The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

    Inmate Medications

    If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

    Meals

    You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

    Pods / The Yard

    The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

    Gangs

    As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


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    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at Mcdowell County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Mcdowell County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

    Apply for a Job at Mcdowell County Jail

    Requirements:

    • You have to be over the age of 21.
    • You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
    • You have to be a US Citizen.
    • You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
    • You have to pass a drug test.
    • You have to have a good level of fitness.
    • You have to be in good health.
    • You have to have a valid Driver’s License
    • An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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    Family Resources

    There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

    If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

    Click here to comment


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    Victim Resources

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

    • Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
    • Victims have the right to notification.
    • Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
    • Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • Victims have the right to restitution.
    • Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
    • Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

    The definition of victim includes:

    • Spouses and children of all victims.
    • Parents and guardians of minor victims.
    • Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
    • Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

    There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

    Victim Notification

    The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

    Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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    Sex Offender Information and Search

    All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

    Domestic Violence

    If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever been a prisoner at Mcdowell County Jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at Mcdowell County Jail?

    If your answer is yes, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write about your jail experience so that others can learn what to expect.

    Things you might want to put in your review:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Food and commissary
    • Visitors
    • The other inmates.
    • Prisoner safety
    • Gang activity
    • Prisoner programs and activities


    Write Your Review

    Tell Your Story

    Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What was it like in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How has this experience impacted your life?

    Tell your story about when you did time at Mcdowell County Jail

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you make friends in jail? Need to talk to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

    Send a message to someone incarcerated at Mcdowell County Jail


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    2017

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