Columbus County Detention Center – Whiteville, NC

Columbus County Detention Center is located in Columbus County and is the primary correctional facility for this region. Know someone at Columbus County Detention Center? This site will tell you information about anything you might want to know about Columbus County Detention Centersuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Columbus County court information. And much, much more.

The chance of going to jail is a scary and stressful prospect, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to give you all the information and tips that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have questions, feel free to ask it, and any comments or tips that might be a benefit to other people in the same situation will be welcome.

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

Do you know someone who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

In order to search who’s in jail at Columbus County Detention Center you should go to their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Columbus County Detention Center Inmate List is an online list of people who are in jail, including current status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. Also, you can find the same information about anyone processed or discharged in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to get their inmate information faster if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member may be at a different jail you will want to check our guide to other North Carolina jails: Other Jails in North Carolina

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing picture, is a photograph that the jail takes during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one face photo and a side-view photo. Your full name and intake number will be in the pictures, and they are stored at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be seen on the website, or you can see them in person at the Columbus County Detention Center. When viewing mugshots online you need to input the person’s name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot erased from the Columbus County Detention Center website? This can be tricky, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

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

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Once you’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail will be decided by a special judge called a magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you will have to promise to go to your court date, and you won’t be allowed to leave the area.

Usually, an inmate in the Columbus County Detention Center can earn time off for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will either have to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you might have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is how much money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by the seriousness of your charges. You will need to post ten percent of the total set in order to get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, whoever posted your bail won’t get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you have to call the Columbus County Detention Center. If you’ve got the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Columbus County Detention Center site.

Bailing out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, it is easy. To start with, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you will not be able to get a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t accept checks. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the bail amount is too high, of if you can’t pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and usually charge a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in these cases use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to post a comment

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

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The jail intake process takes you through each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full name, home address, birthdate and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• They will let you make a telephone call in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, they will let you wear your street clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Can you share any secrets that will help other people that get arrested get through jail processing?

Tell Your Story

Once you are able to post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged can take between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you will get released. Also, it will depend on if you’ve got a cash bond or if the judge needs to determine the bail amount. For minor offenses, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the date of your release, expect to get discharged in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you must start a jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail, and tell an officer that think that there is a warrant out for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if so, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you don’t show up late. Just bring required items when you go, like your driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, as well as an official sentencing order.

Inmates need to give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will be put into the visitation log for the inmate. Each visitor will be required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Columbus County Detention Center visitation procedures frequently change, so visit the official Columbus County Detention Center jail site before you go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges could be reduced or forbidden.

Phone Number: 910-642-6551

All mall sent to inmates has to be sent using US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of mail or package delivery. You must write or type the name, inmate number, and jail address on the envelope. Do not send a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected by the officers at the jail, and will get sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Columbus County Detention Center, use this address:

Columbus County Detention Center
805 Washington Street
Whiteville, NC 28472

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Columbus County Detention Center
805 Washington Street
Whiteville, NC 28472

The Columbus County Detention Center mail policy changes frequently, so we suggest that you visit the official website before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you have been arrested, you have particular rights, and an important one is the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so you would be wise to have a friend or family member find an attorney for you. You may be thinking ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you find your way through the legal system in Columbus County. The sooner you get an attorney working on your situation, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about how to find a lawyer, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are real attorneys, admitted to the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law in North Carolina.

Have you ever had to use the services of a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records contain a case file with a docket and every documents in the case. You are able to access your court records using the online service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records from your court case are kept at the Columbus County Clerk of Court.

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

A Magistrate is the person that rules on your case in court. Magistrates do several different things, such as setting bail, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together with information about the defendant’s background and details of the arrestee’s life and history, which the judge will review when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the defendant, his or her family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Keep in mind that you should request to have a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to correct the mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, ranging from community service 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 taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date that you are supposed to surrender and report to jail to serve your term.

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Want to find out if someone is in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do so, just access the Columbus County jail website, and search by:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their inmate ID.

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

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Columbus County jail, either by phone, in person, or look online. An arrest is in the public record and this is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, such as a court order. You can find these by contacting the Columbus County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. Those 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 these listings on the website, but remember that you will not be able to find the actual address, rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a court case file containing a docket sheet and any documents filed in the case. You are able to access the court records via the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of people’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together so you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You are able to go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally won’t be able to see if they has had:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for this information, you must do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your account may help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Columbus County, the Columbus County Sheriff 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 getting locked up in Columbus County Detention Center is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will get accustomed to the daily routine. You will get an alarm for wake-up each morning at 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. After 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 Columbus County Detention Center, 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 Columbus County Detention Center 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 someone in jail at Columbus County Detention Center changes, so it would be best to visit the the Columbus County Detention Center website before you send money to an inmate there.


Commissary

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

Inmate Medications

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

Meals

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

Pods / The Yard

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

Gangs

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


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Columbus County Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Columbus County Detention Center, 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 Columbus County Detention Center

Requirements:

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


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Family Resources

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

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

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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• 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 spent any time in this jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited an inmate at this jail?

If your answer is yes, then you should write a review about it. Tell us about what you experienced because other people can learn what to expect.

Things you could include in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story to tell. Why’d you get arrested? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story About Columbus County Detention Center

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Need to find someone from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to people still locked up at Columbus County Detention Center


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