Johnston County Jail – Smithfield, NC

Johnston County Jail is located in Johnson County, NC and is the correctional facility for this region. Looking for somebody at Johnston County Jail? This guide tells you all about anything one might want to know about Johnston County Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at Johnston County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court records. And lots more.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give information that you’ll need to make the process less stressful. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, and any tips or comments that might be a benefit to others will be much appreciated.

Do you know someone that is in jail and want to contact them?

Do you know a friend or family member that has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to search who is in jail at Johnston County Jail you should click on their web site and do an inmate search.

The Johnston County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of persons who have been arrested, including custody status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. You can find info on anybody booked or released in the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to find their inmate information more quickly if you’ve got the arrestee’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one is at another jail you should check our North Carolina county jail guide: North Carolina County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also called a jail booking picture, is the photograph that the police take when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one and a profile photo. Your name and jail ID number will appear on the photos, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are on the Johnston County Jail website, or you can see them at the Johnston County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you need to enter the prisoner’s first and last name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot erased from the Johnston County Jail website? This is difficult, as 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 will be sealed, and will not be accessible. 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 taken down, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, once you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail will be decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to promise to go to your court date, and until that date you won’t be allowed to travel out of the county.

Typically, prisoners at Johnston County Jail will earn time off for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. You will either have to return to jail every day when you’re finished working, or you may have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is money that you will be required to pay in order to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount is dictated by the seriousness of your crime. You will need to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was set so you are able to bail out of jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, whoever posted your bail will lose that money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will have to call the jail. If know the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but usually, it is very simple to do. To start with, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you can’t use a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they will not take a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the person will be released to your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually have a minimum charge of $100. This will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will usually use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To talk to a local bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bondsman to bail someone out of jail? 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
• Work Release Programs
• Get Out For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Get Released on House Arrest
• Be Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The jail intake process takes you through the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, must answer some simple questions, like your full legal name, address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• They will let you use the phone to contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell your story. How long did you have to wait? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any tips that could help others get through the process?

Click here to share your story

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process may take between 30 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the faster you post bail, the sooner you will get discharged. Also, it might depend on whether you’ve got a bond amount or if the magistrate must figure out how much your bail will be. For minor offenses, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and know the release date, plan to be discharged between 9am and noon.

for your arrest, or if you have to report to start a sentence, it is recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and tell them that think that there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring things that are allowed with you, such as a driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give information about each visitor to the jail in advance. This information will be entered into the visitation log as an Authorized visit. Each visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies are always changing, so you should review the jail site before you visit an inmate.

All phone calls 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. There is no limit to when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must 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 ability to use the phone may be limited or forbidden completely.

The Johnston County Jail phone number is: (919) 989-5040

All inmate mail must be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail delivery. Clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter. Don’t send a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and reviewed by the officers at the jail, and will get returned if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Johnston County Jail
127 South 2Nd Street
Smithfield, NC 27577

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Johnston County Jail
127 South 2Nd Street
Smithfield, NC 27577

The Johnston County Jail mail policy changes, so you should review the site before you send a letter.

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When you’ve been arrested, you have rights, one of these being the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer for you. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal lawyer will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you find your way through the complicated legal system in your county. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better your chances.

For more info on how to find a lawyer, read our guide: Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender Office is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers that are admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use the services of a Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Johnson County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They include a court case file with a docket and each of the documents that have been filed. You, and anyone else, can access the records and documents in your court case using the online service, or at the Clerk of 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 for all court participants, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents from your court case are available at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court costs and court fees are all costs associated with your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

A Magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your case. Magistrates are judges that do several different things, like setting your bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the judge will take into account when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim. Be sure to remember you can ask to receive a copy of this report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any mistakes that it contains.

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you must go to jail to do your time.

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Do you need to find out if someone is incarcerated in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just just go to the Johnson County jail website, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or inmate ID.

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

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants on the website or you are able to call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or find out online. An arrest is public record and the information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see this information on the internet, but you should know that you will not be able to find the precise address, but rather the block they live on.

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

Each state maintains records of people’s criminal history. These databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal convictions from another state. You can go to the Johnson County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay 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 these crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, usually won’t be able to find out if that person has had any moving violations, like:

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

To get driving records, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback might help other people.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Johnson County, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in Johnston County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will settle into the daily routine. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00 AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. After breakfast, you will work 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 Johnston 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 Johnston 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 at Johnston County Jail could change, so we suggest that you check the the Johnston County Jail website before 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 Johnston County Jail

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

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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 spent any time at Johnston County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Johnston County Jail?

If so, then please tell us about it. Write down what you experienced so others can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to include in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Johnston County Jail

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 get fair treatment? How was day to day life at Johnston County Jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to send a message to somebody you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to someone at Johnston County Jail


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