Durham County Jail – Durham, NC

Durham County Jail is in Durham County, NC and is the primary correctional facility for this area. Do you know someone locked up at Durham County Jail? This guide will tell you about anything related to Durham County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate at Durham County Jail. How to view Durham County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And everything else.

The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give info you need to make helping someone get out of jail less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and any tips or comments that would be beneficial to others is welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member that is in jail and need to find them?

Has a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

To see who is in jail at Durham County Jail you need to click on their web site and use the inmate search.

The Durham County Jail Inmate List is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. You can get information on anybody booked or released within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can get the information faster if you enter their full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

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

A mugshot, also known as a intake photo, is a picture that the jail takes when you are processed at the jail intake. They take one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be in the mugshot, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Durham County Jail prisoners can be seen on the Durham County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Durham County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to put in the inmate’s legal name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot taken down from the Durham County Jail site? This is difficult, because your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, if you’re in jail, your main thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, bail is decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you must agree to be in court on your court date, and you can’t leave the area.

Typically, inmates will be given early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while they are in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to stay jail at the end of the day after work, or you could be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you are required to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you have to pay all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You will need to put up ten percent of the total that was determined before you can get out of jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, that person will lose all of the bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Durham County Jail website.

Bailing out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, it’s really easy. To start with, you need to know if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you can’t get a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not take a check. When you’ve paid bail, the person will be released into your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes charge a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will usually ask to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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The intake procedure takes you through each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really 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 a bunch of questions, like your full legal name, address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will let you make a telephone call so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Do you have any things that might help other people to get through jail intake?

Tell Your Story

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process takes anywhere between 15 minutes to all day. Or, simply, the faster you can pay your bail, the faster you will get let go. Also, it will depend on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if the judge has to figure out the bail amount. For lesser charges, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a discharge date, plan to get released between 9am and noon.

out against you, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, you should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell someone that you think they might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if there is one, they will take you into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring allowed items when you turn yourself in, such as your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitors will be put into a Visiting log as an Authorized visit. All visitors will have to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone showing up late or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies change often, so review the official site before you visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are typically pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s ability to use the phone could be reduced or totally denied.

The Durham County Jail phone number is: (919) 560-0940

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You shouldn’t use any other type of delivery. Clearly print the inmate’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t send a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and examined and read by the officers at the jail, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Durham County Jail is:

Durham County Jail
200 E Main Street
Durham, NC 27701

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Durham County Jail
200 E Main Street
Durham, NC 27701

The inmate mail policy at Durham County Jail changes frequently, so it would be best to review the site when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you have been arrested, you still have certain rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you talk to them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the complicated court system. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better.

To read more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, go to: Find a Lawyer

If you can’t afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are real lawyers who are admitted to the State Bar and are completely licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court records are a matter of public record. They include a case file containing a docket and every documents and motions that have been filed in your case. You can access your court records via the Durham County website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath during court cases, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records and documents related to your court case are available at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees from your court 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 been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

A Magistrate is the judge that presides over your case. Magistrates do different tasks, such as determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include background information and details of the arrestee’s life and history, which the judge will consider when determining your sentence. Information will be collected from the person on trial, their family, and if necessary the victim. Don’t forget you can ask to see a copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, and correct any mistakes that it contains.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be immediately taken into custody, or you could get a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to do your time.

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

This is pretty easy to do, simply just access the Durham County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you should call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry online or call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Durham County jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Durham County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see these listings on the internet, but remember that you won’t get the precise address, but only the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a court case file that contains a court docket and any of the documents filed in your 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 in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of people’s criminal background. These state databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal histories from another state. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes, which can include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not see if that person had:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving histories, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your story could help other people.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Durham County, the Durham County Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

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

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Durham 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 Durham 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 procedure to send money to inmates might change, so you should review the site when you send money to an inmate.


Commissary

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

Inmate Medications

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

Meals

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

Pods / The Yard

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

Gangs

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


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Durham County Jail

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

Requirements:

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


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Family Resources

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

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

Click here to comment


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• 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 tell your story

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 at Durham County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever been to visit someone at this jail?

If you have, then you should write a review about it. Tell us about what you experienced so others will know what to expect.

Things you could write in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you get arrested? Did you experience fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? What were the other inmates like? How has this experience impacted your life?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to find out how to get in touch with somebody you met when you were locked up? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to someone at Durham County Jail


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