Chatham County Jail – Pittsboro, NC

Chatham County Jail is in Chatam County and is the main jail for the county. Looking for somebody in Chatham County Jail? This site tells you about anything related to Chatham County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Intake procedures. Court records. And more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to give you all the information and advice that you’ll need to make getting locked up a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any tips or comments that might help others will be welcome.

Do you know someone that is locked up and don’t know how to contact them?

Do you know a friend or family member that has been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Chatham County Jail you will have to go to their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Chatham County Jail Inmate List is a list of people currently in custody, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. Also, you are able to get information for anyone arrested and processed or discharged in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to get their inmate information quicker if you enter the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member might be in a different jail you can check our guide to other North Carolina jails: Other Jails in North Carolina

A mugshot, also called a intake picture, is a picture taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one and a side-view photo. Your name and jail ID number will be on the mugshot, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched online, or you can see them in person at the Chatham County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to input the inmate’s legal name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Are you trying to have your mugshot taken down from the Chatham County Jail website? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records 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.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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If you’re locked up, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, a bail amount will be set by the magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you must promise to be there for your court date, and until that day you are required not to leave the county.

Typically, an inmate at Chatham County Jail will earn time off for good behavior if they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will be required to go back to the jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you might be allowed to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by how serious your crime is. You will need to post ten percent of the total that was set in order to get out of jail. If you miss your court appearance, whoever put up your bail money won’t get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Chatham County Jail website.

Bailing out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, it is easy. First, figure out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you can’t use the services of a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and usually charge a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in these cases use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

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

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

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• Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• 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 jail intake procedure includes the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you must answer some questions, like what is your legal name, your address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will allow you to use the phone so you can get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your own clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Can you share any secrets that might help others get through jail intake?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged from jail will take anywhere from 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster you post bail, the faster you will get let go. Also, it depends on if you have a cash bond or if the magistrate still needs to determine 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 completed your jail sentence and know the discharge date, you should expect to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must report to start a sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail, and tell someone that think that there is a warrant out for your arrest. 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, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring required items when you go, such as your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list each visitor’s full name to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be put in a log of approved visitors for the inmate. Each and every visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Chatham County Jail change often, so double-check the official jail site before you go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are generally 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 you should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s phone privileges may be limited or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

Phone Number: 919-542-2811

All inmate mail has to be mailed using US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of delivery. You should write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates gets opened and inspected by staff, and the mail will be returned to the sender if deemed inappropriate.

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

Chatham County Jail
295 West Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Chatham County Jail
295 West Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312

The mail policy at Chatham County Jail changes often, so we suggest that you check the site before you send a letter.

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If you get arrested, you have certain rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure to get a friend or relative to locate an attorney for you. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate through the complicated legal system in Chatam County. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

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

If you can’t afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender has access to private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are admitted to the State Bar and are completely licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Chatam County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records contain a file containing a docket sheet and all of the documents that have been filed in your case. You can access your court case records via the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records related to your court case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Chatam County court magistrate is the judge that presides over your case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of things, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and overseeing first court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the judge will take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some cases the victim. Bear in mind you are able to request to get a copy of the report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has ever been locked up?

To find this out you will have to query the Chatam County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the Chatam County court website or call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Bear in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and their arrest date, contact the Chatam County jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. An arrest is in the public record and this is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access these offenders online, but bear in mind that you won’t get the street address, but rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a case file that includes a docket and all of the documents filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records on the website, or at the Chatam County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of someone’s criminal background. These online databases are linked together so you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. Go to the Chatam County Courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you can get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, you won’t discover if they has had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this kind of information, you must do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the Chatam County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your feedback might make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Chatam County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in the Chatam County jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. Expect a wake-up alarm every morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required to 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 Chatham 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 Chatham 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 at Chatham County Jail could change, so check the official Chatham County Jail site before send money 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 Chatham County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Chatham 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 Chatham County Jail

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.

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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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You 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 in Chatham County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate in this jail?

If you have, then you should write a review about it. Write down your jail experience because others will know what to expect.

Things you might want to include in your review:

• Conditions in Chatham County Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Speak Your Mind

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you get locked up? Were you mistreated? How was life in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to send a message to somebody you met when you were locked up? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to Chatham County Jail


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