Swain County Jail – Bryson City, NC

Swain County Jail is in Swain County, North Carolina and is the jail for the county. Are you looking for someone in Swain County Jail? This guide tells you about anything you might want to know about Swain County Jail,such as: Find out who’s in jail at Swain County Jail? Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family and friends. The goal of this guide is to give you all the advice and information that you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have questions, please feel free to ask it, and also any feedback or comments that would be a benefit to others is appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is in jail and don’t know how to contact them?

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

To see who’s in jail at Swain County Jail you have to visit their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Swain County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, including status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can get the same information on anybody booked or discharged in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You can find their inmate information faster if you enter the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you are looking for might be in a different jail you can look here, too: North Carolina County Jails

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

Mugshots of Swain County Jail prisoners can be seen on the website, or you can see them in person at the Swain County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you need to enter their name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Do you want to have your mugshot taken down from the Swain County Jail site? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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If you are in jail, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, bail will be set using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If you don’t get a bail 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 be there for your court date, and until that day you are not allowed to leave the area.

In most cases, inmates in the Swain County Jail can earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to stay jail each day after work, or you may be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts in order to be released from jail until you go to court. Your bail amount depends on how serious your charges are. Someone will have to pay 10 percent of the total that was set so you can bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court date, that person won’t get the bail money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Posting bail to get out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, its really easy if you have the money. First of all, find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you can’t use the services of a bail bondsman. Cash only – the jail won’t take a check. When you’ve paid bail, the person will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually have a minimum of $100. This is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will usually ask to use your assets as collateral for the bond.

You can find a bail bondsman click here: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to comment

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

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The intake procedure is made up of each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding 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 must answer some questions, such as what is your full legal name, your address, birth date and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will let you use the phone to talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Can you share any things that will help others to get through jail processing?

Click here to share your story

When you post bail, you will get discharged from jail. This process will take anywhere from 15 minutes to all day. So, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will be freed. Also, it might depend on whether or not you’ve been given a bond amount or if the magistrate must figure out the amount of bail to be set. For lesser 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 released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you must start your sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and let them know that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if you do, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you are not late. Just bring things that are allowed with you, like a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a sentencing order from court.

The inmate have to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will be entered into the log for the requesting inmate. Each and every visitor has to provide proof of identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Swain County Jail visitation procedures change often, so make sure that you review the official jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are a lot pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. 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 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 might get reduced or forbidden.

Phone Number: 828-488-0159

All inmate mail has to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail or package delivery. You must write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the letter. Do not send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail received by the jail is opened and inspected and read by staff, and will get returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Swain County Jail
95 Brendle Street
Bryson City, NC 28713

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Swain County Jail
95 Brendle Street
Bryson City, NC 28713

The mail policy at Swain County Jail can change, so you should double check the site before you send a letter.

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If you have been arrested, you have particular rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to have a friend or relative locate an attorney when you call. You may be asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate the court system that you are now faced with. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your charges, the better your chances.

For more information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, go to: Find a Lawyer

If you can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, experts in forensics and social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers that are admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Swain County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They are comprised of a file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents and motions that have been filed in the case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case using the internet service, or at the Swain County Clerk of Court.

The Swain County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages the records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the jury’s verdict. All court records from your case are maintained at Swain County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The Swain County magistrate is the judge that rules over your case. Magistrates are judges that do different tasks, which include setting your bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed with background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate will take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Bear in mind you are able to ask to receive your own copy of the report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could get a date to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated, or has ever been in jail?

You can you should visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and search by:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the Swain County jail website or you can call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or you can check online. An arrest is public record and this is freely available.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Swain County Sheriff’s office, on their website 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 tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access sex offenders on the website, but you should know that you will not get the exact address, rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a court case file that contains a court docket and any of the documents and filings filed in the case. You can access your court records online, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal histories from another state. You are able to go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will 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 of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t find out if they had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for this kind of information, you have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you have to call the jail? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records, and your account could help other people.

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Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Swain County, the Swain County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Swain County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. You should expect an alarm to wake up at about 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. You will then eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate 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 Swain 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 Swain 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 rules for sending money to people in jail changes, so we suggest that you double check the official Swain County Jail site before you send any money.


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 Swain County Jail

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

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:

• 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.

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 a prisoner in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited someone there?

If you have, then please leave a comment below about it. Write about your jail experience because others will know what to expect.

Things you might want to include in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? Were the other inmates cool? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to share your story about when you did time in Swain County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to find out how to get in touch with someone from jail? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to people still locked up at Swain County Jail


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