Burke County Jail – Morganton, NC

Burke County Jail is located in Burke County, North Carolina and is the primary jail for that region. Looking for someone locked up in Burke County Jail? This guide tells you about anything one might want to know about Burke County Jail,such as: Find an inmate at Burke County Jail. How to view Burke County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Intake procedures and booking. Burke County court information. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary thought, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you information and advice that you’ll need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have questions, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any feedback or comments that might be beneficial to others is appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that has gone to jail and want to contact them?

Has a family member or friend that has been arrested and you want to locate them?

To look up who’s in jail at Burke County Jail you will have to navigate to their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Burke County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of persons who have been arrested and are in custody, including custody status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. Also, you are able to get information on anyone booked or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to get the information more quickly if you have their first and last name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one is locked up at a different jail you should check our North Carolina county jail guide: List of all county jails in North Carolina

A mugshot, or intake picture, is a photograph that the police take during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one and a side picture. Your full name and intake number will be in the mugshot, and they are stored at the jail.

Mugshots are on the website, or you can see them in person at the Burke County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to put in their first and last name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Need to know how to get your mugshot removed from the Burke County Jail site? This will be difficult, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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If you are arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, bail will be set using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you are required to agree to show up for court, and until that date you are required not to leave the county.

In most cases, inmates will be given time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to go back to the jail every day after work, or you may get to live in a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is money that you are required to pay in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will be required to pay is determined by the crime you’ve been charged with. You or someone you know will have to post 10% of the amount that was determined so you are able to get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the Burke County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Burke County Jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but thankfully, its very simple to do. First of all, figure out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t get a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they will not accept a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will be released into your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you might need to 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 in most cases with a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To find a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Burke County Jail

Have you ever hired 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 it worked out for you.

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• Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release Programs
• Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Released On House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

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The jail intake procedure includes each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you have to answer a number of questions, like what is your full name, address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• You will be allowed to use the phone so you can get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail uniform.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please tell us what happened. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Do you have any tips that will help other people to get through jail processing?

Click here to tell your story

When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. This process may take from 15 minutes to quite a few hours. In simple terms, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge still needs to figure out the bail amount. For a minor charge, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and are given a date of your release, you should plan to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. For a warrant, go to the jail, and tell them that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if so, they will take you into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Make sure that you only bring necessary items when you turn yourself in, like a driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order.

Inmates need to provide each visitor’s name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitors will be put into a log of approved visitors for the requesting inmate. Each and every visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors arriving late or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Burke County Jail visitation procedures change often, so double-check the official jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are typically more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about 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 are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or forbidden completely.

The Burke County Jail phone number is: (828) 438-5481

All mall sent to inmates is required to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. Clearly print the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail gets opened and read and examined by the officers at the jail, and the mail will get returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Burke County Jail
201 South Green Street
Morganton, NC 28655

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Burke County Jail
201 South Green Street
Morganton, NC 28655

The inmate mail policy at Burke County Jail is always changing, so it would be best to visit the the Burke County Jail website when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these is your right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to get a friend or relative to find a lawyer when you talk to them. You might be asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and show you the way through the court system. The faster you get an attorney working on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more detailed information on how to find an attorney, read: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender has access to private investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers who are admitted to the North Carolina State Bar Association and are licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? How did they do?

Burke County court records are a matter of public record. Court records are comprised of a file with a docket and every documents in the case. You have the ability to access your court case records with the Burke County website, or at the Burke County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records associated with your case are kept at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges from your case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The magistrate is the person who presides on your case in court. Magistrates do different tasks, which include setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the arrestee’s background and information about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember you can request to have your own copy of this report before sentencing, and correct any mistakes that it contains.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be locked up immediately, or you could receive a date to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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

To do so, you should go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birth date.
• 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 find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the Burke County jail website or you are able to call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or look online. Arrest records are public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information on the internet, but remember that you will not see the actual address, just the address block that they live on.

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

Each and every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together and you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for these crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases won’t learn if that person had:

• Speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you call the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal records, and your comments might help other people.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Burke County, the Burke County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in Burke County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. All inmates get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00 AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. Following breakfast you will 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 Burke 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 Burke 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 funds to someone in jail is likely to change, so we suggest that you review the site before you send funds 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 Burke County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Burke 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 Burke 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 tell your story


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate in Burke County Jail? Do you know anybody that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Burke County Jail?

If you have, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience so others will know what to expect.

Things you can include in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What was your daily routine in jail? What were the other inmates like? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to find an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to Burke County Jail


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