Surry County Detention Center – Dobson, NC

Surry County Detention Center is located in Surry County, NC and is the primary jail for this region. Do you know someone locked up in Surry County Detention Center? This page gives you about anything you might want to know about Surry County Detention Center: Find out who’s in jail at Surry County Detention Center? Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Surry County court information. And much, much more.

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The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give information that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail less stressful. If you have questions, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and also any tips or comments that might be beneficial to others would be welcome.

General Information

Address

Surry County Detention Center
218 N Main St
Dobson, NC 27017

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: (336) 401-8900
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 in jail and don’t know how to find them?

Has somebody who has been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

In order to find out who is in jail at Surry County Detention Center you will need to go to their website and perform an inmate lookup.

Inmate Lookup

The Surry County Detention Center Inmate List is an online list of people currently in custody, including custody status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. Also, you are able to find information on anybody arrested and booked or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can find the information quicker if you have their first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for is in a different jail you will want to check the other North Carolina county jails in our North Carolina County Jail Guide: North Carolina Jails


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a jail intake photograph, is a photograph that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. They will take one face photo and a side picture. Your full name and booking number will be on the photos, and they are on file.

View Mugshots

Mugshots are on the website, or you can view them at the Surry County Detention Center. When viewing mugshots online you have to enter the inmate’s full name, and the booking date.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Do you want to get your mugshot erased from the Surry County Detention Center website? This can be tricky, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. You need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Once you are in jail, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail will be determined by a special judge called a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and you won’t be allowed to go out of town.

In most cases, inmates can earn time off for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will have to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you might be allowed to move to a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail

Bail is money that you have to pay to get out of jail until your trial. Your bail amount is dictated by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will need to pay 10 percent of the total amount set before you can be released. If you miss court, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the jail. If you have all the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Posting bail to get out of jail is never a fun thing, but in some cases, it’s really easy. To start with, find out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you won’t be able to use the services of a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t take checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

Bail Bondsman

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. They usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases with a minimum charge of $100. This is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use assets as collateral for the bond.

If you need a bail bondsman go to: Find a Bail Bondsman in Surry County

Have you ever had to use a bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to share your story

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Early Release For Good Behavior
  • Work Release
  • Get Out For Time Served
  • Pre-Trial Release Programs
  • Released On House Arrest
  • Get Released on Your Own Recognizance


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake procedure is made up of the following steps:

  • You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
  • The first step is that you will have to answer a bunch of questions, like what is your full name, home address, date of birth and a contact person.
  • You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
  • You will be issued an inmate number.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • You will have your mugshot taken.
  • Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
  • They will allow you to use the phone so you can contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If you think you will get released quickly, you might get to wear your street clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell your story. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Do you have any secrets that might help other people that get arrested make it through the process?

Tell Your Story

Discharge Procedures

When you post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged will take anywhere from 15 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster you can pay your bail, the quicker you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged might depend on whether or not you have a bond amount or if the magistrate has to decide on how much your bail will be. For minor offenses, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a release date, expect to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

If the sheriff has a, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. For a warrant, report to the jail intake center, and tell them that you think there may be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late. Only bring required items with you, such as your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a official sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

Inmates must provide each visitor’s name to the jail in advance. This information will be put in the visitation log as an authorized visitor. Each and every visitor must provide identification. Anyone showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies change often, so check the official jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are much more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or forbidden.

Phone Number: (336) 401-8900

Sending Mail to Inmates

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of delivery. Clearly print the name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the envelope. Do not send a package or box, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail will be opened and read by the jail administration, and the mail will get returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Surry County Detention Center is:

Surry County Detention Center
218 N Main St
Dobson, NC 27017

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Surry County Detention Center
218 N Main St
Dobson, NC 27017


The mail policy can change, so we suggest that you double check the site when you send a letter to an inmate.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

If you get arrested, you have rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to ask a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, a lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you find your way through the criminal justice system in Surry County. The sooner you get an attorney working on your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more information about how to find a lawyer, click here: How to Find a Lawyer

Public Defender

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender’s Office is staffed by private investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are real lawyers who are members of the North Carolina State Bar and are fully licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? What was your experience?

Court Records

Surry County court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records have a case file containing a docket sheet and every documents in your case. You are able to access your court records via the Surry County website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

Clerk of Court

The Surry County Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the jury’s verdict. All court records from your case are kept at Clerk of Court’s office.

Fees

Court fees are the costs from your case, which include filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

Magistrate

The Surry County court magistrate acts as the judge that presides over your case in court. Magistrates do different tasks, such as setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will take into account when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim. Remember you can request to have a copy of the report prior to sentencing, and correct any inaccurate information.

Sentencing

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date that you must go to jail to serve your term.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do this, just visit the Surry County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

  • The inmate’s name.
  • Birthdate.
  • Their approximate booking date.
  • and their jail inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you should call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

Warrant Inquiry

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry online or you are able to call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, 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 get served with papers, such as a court order. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see these listings online, but you should know that you won’t find the exact address, rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a case file that includes a court docket and all of the documents filed in your court case. You can access your court records on the website, or at the Surry County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal background. These state databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from other states. You are able to go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you are able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for crimes, which include:

  • DUI or DWI.
  • Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes like assault or murder.
  • Property crimes like theft or larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, usually won’t see if they have had any moving violations, like:

  • Tickets for speeding.
  • Drivers license revoked or suspended.
  • Been in a traffic accident.
  • Moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To find driving histories, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

    Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal records, and your feedback might help other people.

    Post A Comment

    Most Wanted

    The FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Surry County, the Surry County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

    FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of being incarcerated in Surry County Detention Center is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm at 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then eat breakfast. After breakfast, participate in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Surry County Detention Center, 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 Surry County Detention Center 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 rules for sending funds to inmates at Surry County Detention Center changes, so we suggest that you visit the official website before you send funds to an inmate there.

    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 Surry County Detention Center

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Surry County Detention Center, 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 Surry County Detention Center

    Requirements:

    • You must be over the age of 21.
    • You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
    • You must be a US Citizen.
    • You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
    • You must pass a drug test.
    • You must have a good level of fitness.
    • You must be in good health.
    • You must 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 tell about all about it


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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:

    • The right to protection from the accused.
    • The right to notification.
    • The right to attend proceedings.
    • The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • The right to restitution.
    • The right to a speedy trial.
    • 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.

    Click here to leave a comment

    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 incarcerated in Surry County Detention Center? Do you know someone there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Surry County Detention Center?

    If so, then you should tell us about it. Tell us about your experience because others can learn what to expect.

    What to include in the review:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail and pod layout and facility
    • Guards and staff
    • Food and commissary
    • Visitors
    • The other inmates – what are they like?
    • Safety
    • Jail gangs
    • Activities and programs


    Click here to write your review of Surry County Detention Center

    Tell Your Story

    Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

    Tell Your Story About Surry County Detention Center

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Make some good friends in jail? Want to send a message to a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

    Send a message


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