Watauga County Detention Center – Boone, NC

Watauga County Detention Center is in Watauga County, NC and is the main correctional facility for that county. Know somebody in jail at Watauga County Detention Center? This guide gives you info about anything one might want to know about Watauga County Detention Center: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Court records. And lots more.

The chance of going to jail is a scary and stressful idea, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to offer information that you’ll need to make the process a lot easier. If you have a question, just ask it in the comment section below, and also any feedback or comments that would help other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is incarcerated and don’t know how to contact them?

Has someone that has been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

To look up who is in jail at Watauga County Detention Center you have to click on their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Watauga County Detention Center Inmate Lookup is a list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including custody status, bail amount, and times you can visit. You can also get info on anyone processed or discharged in the last 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate their inmate information fast if you’ve got their first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be locked up at a different jail you will want to check the other North Carolina county jails in our North Carolina County Jail Guide: North Carolina County Jails

A mugshot, or intake picture, is a photo that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is make of one face photo and a side-view photo. Your full name and intake number will be in the mugshot, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Watauga County Detention Center prisoners can be viewed on the Watauga County Detention Center website, or you can see them in person at the Watauga County Detention Center. When you search for mugshots online you will have to input the person’s name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Want to have your mugshot removed from the Watauga County Detention Center site? This can be tricky, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Once you are in jail, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve been booked, bail is determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you must promise to be in court on your court date, and you are required not to travel out of the county.

In most cases, an inmate at Watauga County Detention Center will be given time off in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and act right while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to return to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you could be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you will have to pay all depends on the seriousness of your crime. You will need to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was determined in order for you to be released from jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, that person will not get their money back.

You must call the Watauga County Detention Center or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it’s easy. To start with, figure out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you can’t get a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not accept a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If bail is set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes have a minimum charge of $100. This is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman will ask to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Watauga County Detention Center

Have you ever used a bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to leave a comment

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

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The intake procedure is made up of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer some basic questions, such as what your legal name is, address, date of birth and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will then be allowed to make a telephone call to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell your story. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Can you tell us things that could help other people get through the process?

Click here to tell your story

When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail may take from 30 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster you post bail, the faster you will get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released depends on whether or not you have a cash bond amount or if a judge must figure out the bail amount. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a discharge date, plan to get discharged between 9am and noon.

issued for your arrest, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If you have a warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that think that there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. A record check will be run, and if there is one, you will be taken into jail custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be sure that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring required items with you, like your driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, and the sentencing order from court.

The inmate must list information about each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s names will be entered in a log of visitors as an Authorized visit. Every visitor will be required to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors arriving late or that is not on the visitation list will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Watauga County Detention Center change often, so review the official site before you visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are a lot more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, 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 jail rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated altogether.

The Watauga County Detention Center phone number is: (828)264-3761

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

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Watauga County Detention Center:

Watauga County Detention Center
184 Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Watauga County Detention Center
184 Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607

The mail policy changes frequently, so we suggest that you review the site before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you have been arrested, you have certain rights, the first of which is the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or family member find a lawyer for you. You might be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, an attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and show you the way through the complicated legal system. The faster you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better your chances.

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

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are actual attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

All court records are public records. They contain a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents in your case. You are able to access court records with the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages access to court records. They also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All court records from your court case are kept and available to you at Watauga County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are all costs from your case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and 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.

The Watauga County court magistrate acts as the judge who presides on your court case. Magistrate judges do several different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed with information about your background and information about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you should request to have your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you get the chance to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you might be given a date that you are required to surrender and report to jail to serve your term.

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Do you need to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

You can you need to visit the jail’s website, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail 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 believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check court records on the website or 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. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Watauga County jail, on the phone, in person, or check online. Arrest records are in the public record and these records are freely available.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, like court orders. You can access civil process orders by going to the Watauga County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders must be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view this information online, but you should know that you will not see the precise address, just the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that includes a docket sheet and all documents and filings filed in the court case. You can access court records on the internet, or at Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains records of people’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together and you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. Go to the Watauga County Courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

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

• DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t be able to find out if they have had any moving violations, like:

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

To search for driving histories, you must do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback might help other people.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Watauga County, the Watauga County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in the Watauga County jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. You will get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. Following breakfast participate in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Watauga 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 Watauga 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 procedure to send funds to inmates is always changing, so visit the official Watauga County Detention Center site when send funds to someone in jail 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 Watauga County Detention Center

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

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 leave a 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 locked up at Watauga County Detention Center? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited someone at Watauga County Detention Center?

If your answer is yes, then you should write a review about it. Tell us about your jail experience because other people can learn what to expect.

Things you can write in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate programs and activities


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. Why were you locked up? Were you fairly treated? How was life in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to say wassup to a friend from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to someone at Watauga County Detention Center


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