Burke County Jail – Waynesboro, GA

Burke County Jail is in Burke County and is the jail for the county. Know somebody in jail at Burke County Jail? This guide will tell you all about everything you might need to know about Burke County Jail: How to locate an inmate at Burke County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Burke County Jail intake procedures. Burke County court information. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the info that you need to make the process less stressful. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it, and please leave any comments or feedback that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is in jail and don’t know how to find out where they are?

Do you know somebody that has been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

To search who is in jail at Burke County Jail you will have to click on their link and do an inmate search.

The Burke County Jail Inmate Lookup has information on persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you are able to find information about anybody processed or released within the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You’ll be able to get their inmate information quicker if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be incarcerated at a different jail you can check our Georgia county jail guide: Other Jails in Georgia

A mugshot, also called a jail processing photo, is the picture that the police take during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one face photo and a side photo. Your full name and jail booking number will be on the photos, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be viewed online, or you can see them in person at the Burke County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to input the legal name, and a booking date.

Want to have your mugshot removed from the Burke County Jail website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Once you are in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you must promise to show up for court, and until that date you are required not to leave town.

Usually, prisoners in the Burke County Jail will earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will either have to return to the jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you could have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you have to pay is dictated by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone you know will need to pay 10 percent of the total that was determined in order to bail out of jail. If you miss court, whoever paid your bail will lose all of the bail money.

You need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you the bail amount. Also, you can check their bail amount and status online.

Bailing out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, its easy if you have the money. First, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t take a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They will generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and usually with a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in these cases use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To contact a bail bondsman visit our page about: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The jail intake process takes you through each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you have to answer some questions, like your full name, your address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• They will let you make a phone call to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait? Were you treated fairly? Can you tell us secrets that might help others get through the procedure?

Click here to tell your story

When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. This process takes from 15 minutes to all day. In other words the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you will get released. Also, how fast you get released can depend on if you have a cash bond amount or if a judge needs to decide on how much your bail will be. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. If you have served a sentence in jail and are given a date of your release, expect to get discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you should do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail intake area, and tell someone that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they find one, they will take you into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring required items with you, like your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to give information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be put in a Visiting log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Every visitor has to provide identification. Visitors arriving late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Burke County Jail are always changing, so review the official site before you go to the jail to visit.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (706) 554-2133

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of delivery. You have to print the name, inmate ID, and jail address on the envelope. Do not send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail received by the jail gets opened and read by the jail officers, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Burke County Jail is:

Burke County Jail
225 Georgia 24
Waynesboro, GA 30830

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Burke County Jail
225 Georgia 24
Waynesboro, GA 30830

The Burke County Jail mail policy changes frequently, so it would be best to check the site when you send a letter.

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When you get arrested, you have rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney 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 attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you understand the complicated legal system in your county. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better.

For more information on how to find an attorney, read: Find a Lawyer

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender’s Office is staffed by private investigators, experts in forensics as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are admitted to the Georgia State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law in Georgia.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? What was your experience?

All court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They include a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access your court case records via the internet service, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All court records associated with your case are held at Clerk of Court’s office.

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

The Burke County magistrate is the judge who presides over your case. They do several different things, such as setting bail, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed with background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will review when determining the sentence. Information will be requested from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you should request to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you can correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be locked up immediately, or given a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is in jail, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should go to the jail’s website, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access court records on the Burke County court website 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 the officer in charge. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, which can be a court order. You can access civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders must be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but you should know that you won’t see the precise address, but rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a case file containing a court docket and all documents filed in your court case. You can access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These state databases are linked together so you can track criminal convictions from another state. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t learn if that person has had any:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback might make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Burke County, the Burke County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Burke County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in the Burke County jail is no fun, in time you will get used to the routine that is set for you. You will get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. Following breakfast you will work 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 Burke 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 Burke 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 money to inmates is always changing, so you should double check the official website when you send any funds.


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 Burke County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Burke 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 Burke 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.

Tell Your Story


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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.

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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 spent any time at Burke County Jail? Do you know anybody that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited an inmate in this jail?

If so, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write down your experience so that other people can learn what to expect.

Things you can include in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate activities and programs


Write a Review of Burke County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you get locked up? Did you get fair treatment? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to leave a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to send a message to somebody you met in jail? Write your message below.

Say Hello to people still locked up at Burke County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Burke County Jail Website
Burke County Jail Inmate Search
Burke County Jail Mugshots
Burke County Jail Bail Amount Link

Burke County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Burke County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at Burke County Jail
Burke County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Burke County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Burke County Jail Send Money Procedure
Burke County Jail Employment


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