Burke County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Burke County

Burke County Jail Information

Located in Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina, the Burke County Jail is a 264-bed facility. You can call them anytime for inmate information at 828-764-9590.

This facility handles offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies, who are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on their charges, inmates may remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial is completed.

The inmate search tool can be used to view the jail's roster and find out who is in custody.

Offenders sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this jail, while those with longer sentences will be transferred to either the North Carolina State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on a range of inmate services, including the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.

It’s a good idea to keep the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for future communication needs. If it’s not available online, call Burke County Jail at 828-764-9590 for further assistance.

Phone: 828-764-9590

Physical Address:
130 Government Drive
Morganton, NC 28655

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Burke County Jail
Facility ID Number: 5020
PO Box 18247
Greensboro, NC 27419

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Burke County Jail
130 Government Drive
Morganton, NC 28655

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Burke County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Burke County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 828-764-9590 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case information online, including the daily court dockets for Burke County.

Burke County Jail Inmate Search

The Burke County Jail maintains an average of 264 offenders in custody on any given day. The Burke County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Burke County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 5,280 offenders.

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About the Burke County Jail

The new Burke County Jail was completed in 2019, and began accepting inmates in 2020. While it was built for 264 inmates, they haven't had any more than about 160 inmates at any one time. The 71,000 square foot, $27 million dollar facility could be generating $40-50 a day for every county, state and federal inmate that they can rent bed space to, but the county won't let them hire more staff becuse the budget is set.

The Burke County Jail is located at 130 Government Dr in Morganton, NC 28655. They can be reached 24 hours a day by calling 828-764-9590.

The photo below gives you an idea how modern this jail is... what you are looking at is the control room that handles almost every bit of video, electrical, plumbing, doors, speakers and microphones in the entire jail.  Theoretically, with this one room, the number of staff needed to watch over the inmates is very, very low.

Mail can be received every day and is processed and passed to the inmates quickly, however the jail uses a digital service to avoid contraband entering the facility. Friends and family of inmates in the Burke County Jail can arrange to visit inmates by video, both at the jail and remotely from home. They can also send them money and buy them commissary online, and set up a phone account that allows the inmates to call them during the day and evening seven days a week.

All the information on these inmate services can be found in the sections below.  If you still have questions, you can phone the jail 24 hours a day by calling 828-764-9590.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How booking works at Burke County Jail

When someone is arrested, they are taken to Burke County Jail for booking. This process includes identifying them, deciding on charges, and determining if they will be eligible for bail or held until court.

It's important to stay silent during this process, as any statements made may be used in court. Legal advice should be sought before speaking about the case.

The following steps make up the booking process at Burke County Jail:

  • Verification of personal details.
  • Taking mugshots for identification purposes.
  • Health assessments and questions about criminal history.
  • Possible DNA collection if required.
  • Search of the individual.
  • Confiscation of personal property.
  • Providing a phone call.

The duration of booking can vary, taking between one and 48 hours. For more information on paying an arrestee’s bond, contact Burke County Jail at 828-764-9590.

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Directions / Map to the Burke County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

Paying bail for someone in Burke County

After being arrested and booked into Burke County Jail in Morganton, the arrestee's situation will proceed in one of three ways:

1. They may be released without bail and required to attend a court hearing.
2. They may be held in custody until their court date.
3. Bail can be posted for their release; call 828-764-9590 for the exact bail amount.

There are multiple ways to pay bail.

  • Cash, credit cards, or money orders are acceptable forms of payment.
  • Licensed bail bond agents in Burke County can facilitate the process.
  • Collateral in the form of property within the county can be used for bail.

To get more information on the bail process in Burke County, North Carolina, visit the Burke County Jail Bail FAQ.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Burke County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Burke County Jail Inmate on-site Video Visitation

130 Government Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
828-764-9590

  • First, you must register with Homewav Communications online.
  • This requires uploaded a recent photo and a copy of your valid, government issued photo ID.
  • Once you do this, you can choose Burke County Jail, choose your inmate and then schedule a time.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIMES
MONDAY 7:15AM - 8:30PM
TUESDAY 7:15AM - 8:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7:15AM - 8:30PM
THURSDAY 7:15AM - 8:30PM
FRIDAY 7:15AM - 8:30PM
SATURDAY No visitation
SUNDAY No visitation


Burke County Jail Inmate Remote Video Visitation

130 Government Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
828-764-9590

  • First, you must register with Homewav Communications online.
  • This requires uploaded a recent photo and a copy of your valid, government issued photo ID.
  • Once you do this, you can choose Burke County Jail, choose your inmate and then schedule a time.

REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIMES
MONDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
TUESDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
WEDNESDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
THURSDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
FRIDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
SATURDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
SUNDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM

The Burke County Jail uses Homewav for all Video Visitation services.

The information below provides complete instructions regarding:

Visiting Hours and Visitation Schedule,
Visitation Rules,
Application & Registration
Inmate Video Visits, and
Jail Visitation Process for the Burke County Jail

Burke County Jail uses HomeWAV for Inmate Video Visitation. 

Off-site remote visits are simple and convenient for both inmates and you. 
Outgoing calls can be initiated from the detention facility without the need for advanced scheduling.
HomeWAV is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android.
HomeWAV is compatible with most major browsers on either PC or Mac computers, but works best with Google Chrome.

 

Following these instructions exactly will enhance your chances of having trouble-free visits.

How Much does Homewav Cost?

Burke County Jail charges $0.50 cents per minute for video visitation and $1.00 for each video message.  

There is NO minimum talk time. Each ‘call’ can be as short as one minute.

In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for any purchase. All “Talk to me Funds” can only be used between the inmate and the visitor who owns the account.

How does HomeWAV video visitation work?

1.  Sign Up Here.
2. Complete both steps of the registration process
3. Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
4. Then you just wait for the inmate to call

How Do I add Funds to my account?

1. Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds
2. Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
3. Click “Update” 
4. Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card.)

Can I use HomeWAV on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, however your HomeWAV account must be first set up online from a computer. 

Once you have added funds to your account, you will need to install the Homewav app onto your phone or tablet.

To receive calls you must log in through the app and wait for the inmate to initiate the call. 

You cannot add funds or make any changes to your account information through the app. These options are only available through the website. 

The app should be solely used for video visitation.

What are the minimum PC requirements?

1. A computer with Windows Operating System. (Note: HomeWAV works best with Chrome.)
2. Speakers or Headphones
3. Camera and microphone

Can I use HomeWAV from the jail lobby if I don’t have a computer?

Yes, Burke County Jail has a HomeWAV kiosk in their lobby for you to use if you don’t have a computer or smartphone, however due to COVID issues you may be temporarily prohibited entrance into their lobby. 

How does the Inmate Know I am Logged in and Ready to Visit?

1.    Make sure there are funds in your account and that you are marked as “appear online”.
2.    The moment you log in, the HomeWAV screen at the facility will light up green and display the inmates name. This informs the inmate that they have a visitor that is now logged on. 
3.    Once the inmate sees the notification, he or she will initiate the call.
4.    When the inmate initiates the call, a ringing sound will take place and a pop-up box will appear, asking you if you want to accept the call.

Can I transfer funds from one inmate to another?

If you have multiple inmates and would like to transfer your funds to a different inmate, please call HomeWAV at 314-764-2872 or email support@homewav.com and include the following information:
1.    Homewav account holder’s name.
2.    The number of minutes to be transferred.
3.    Facility Name.
4.    From which inmate to who do you want to transfer funds.

How do I get a refund on leftover funds?

Email HomeWAV at refunds@homewav.com with your refund request. 
REFUNDS are subject to a $7.50 processing fee.  *Note* refund requests must be sent from the email address of the registered visitor.

How can I contact HomeWAV if I’m having any problems?

HomeWAV Visitor Support is available 7 days a week during the following hours:

Monday – Friday 
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST

Saturday – Sunday 
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST

HomeWAV Customer Service: Call 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.

HomeWAV Video Tutorials

HomeWAV Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Burke County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-764-9590 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Burke County Jail?

Burke County Jail Inmate on-site Video Visitation

130 Government Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
828-764-9590

  • First, you must register with Homewav Communications online.
  • This requires uploaded a recent photo and a copy of your valid, government issued photo ID.
  • Once you do this, you can choose Burke County Jail, choose your inmate and then schedule a time.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIMES
MONDAY 7:15AM - 8:30PM
TUESDAY 7:15AM - 8:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7:15AM - 8:30PM
THURSDAY 7:15AM - 8:30PM
FRIDAY 7:15AM - 8:30PM
SATURDAY No visitation
SUNDAY No visitation


Burke County Jail Inmate Remote Video Visitation

130 Government Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
828-764-9590

  • First, you must register with Homewav Communications online.
  • This requires uploaded a recent photo and a copy of your valid, government issued photo ID.
  • Once you do this, you can choose Burke County Jail, choose your inmate and then schedule a time.

REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIMES
MONDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
TUESDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
WEDNESDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
THURSDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
FRIDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
SATURDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM
SUNDAY 8:00AM - 9:30PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Burke County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-764-9590 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Burke County Jail?

There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person. 
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.

Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Burke County Jail uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.

Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Burke County Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Burke County Jail
130 Government Drive
Morganton, NC 28655


Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.

How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Burke County

To deposit money online for an inmate in Burke County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, a service that acts as a bank for inmates in Burke County.
  • After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
  • Choose North Carolina, then choose Burke County Jail
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate.
  • Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Burke County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much money you can send your inmate in Burke County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914.

For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Burke County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Burke County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Burke County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-764-9590 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Burke County Jail?

How Do Inmates in Burke County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Burke County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

For all the information regarding phone calls with Burke County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, costs, limits, tablet rental and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Burke County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-764-9590 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Burke County Jail, and what can I send them?

Burke County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Burke County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Burke County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Burke County Jail
Facility ID Number: 5020
PO Box 18247
Greensboro, NC 27419



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Burke County Jail
130 Government Drive
Morganton, NC 28655



No Newspapers, Magazines or Books allowed.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Burke County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-764-9590 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Burke County Jail, and what can I purchase?

Burke County Jail contracts with Oasis Commissary (aka jailcanteen.com) for the online ordering of snacks and other foods, hygiene products, letter writing materials, clothing and reading glasses.



Family members and friends can go to their website, order for their inmate and have it delivered directly to Burke County Jail.

Instructions
1.     Register here first.    
2.    Confirm registration in your email.
3.    Select North Carolina, then Burke County Jail, then input your inmate’s name.
4.    Shop… then pay using a Visa, MC or Discover credit or debit card.

Useful Information
1.     Each order incurs a $5.95 processing fee.
2.    Orders are delivered once a week.
3.    There is no limit to the number of orders you can place each week.
4.    You can purchase orders for multiple inmates and/or at multiple jails.
5.    Orders are processed weekly. The cutoff time is on Sunday at 11:59 PM.
6.    Orders are delivered to the jail within ten days.
7.    Returns incur a 20% restocking fee.

Resources
Frequently Asked Questions.  
Check the Status of your order here.  
Online Contact Form.

Oasis is now offering tablets for inmates to use for easy ordering of commissary of products. They can be used for free for 15 minutes at a time.  If an inmate wishes to use on a reguar basis for education, entertainment or programming, they can be rented for a small monthly fee.

Customer Service Contact
Call 800-956-2747 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST. 
Email: support@jailcanteen.com.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Burke County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Burke County Jail follow these steps:

  • Select North Carolina, then select Burke County Jail, and then select the 'Send a Package Order' option.
  • Register and create an account with My Care Pack, also known as Access Securepak, for Burke County.
  • Choose the inmate and the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Burke County at any one time.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Burke County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Burke County.

Customer Service Contact
Call 800-956-2747 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST. 
Email: support@jailcanteen.com.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Burke County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-764-9590 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Burke County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

inteleMESSAGE by Pay Tel is a service in which Burke County inmates can use tablets to send messages to any friend or family member that has set up an on-line prepaid or direct bill account with Pay Tel. 

How inteleMESSAGE Works

  1. The Burke County Jail inmate must contact you first in order to activate messaging for your account.
  2. Once an inmate has messaged you, you are then able to visit the Pay Tel website, log in, read and respond to his or her messages. 
  3. When you log in and follow the inteleMESSAGE™ link, you will be asked if you want to accept messages from your Burke County inmate. If you accept, you will then be able to read any inmate message that has been sent to you.
  4. An on-line prepaid or direct bill account is required to use messaging. 
  5. You must visit the Pay Tel website, login to your account, and follow the inteleMESSAGE™ link in order to send or check for messages. You will not be notified of messages by any other method.
  6. All messages are subject to monitoring and review and should never be used for privileged attorney-inmate communications.
  7. If a message is rejected for any reason, the sender’s account will be automatically credited for the cost of the message.
  8. Free messages which are rejected will not be refunded or restored.

Cost to send messages

  1. The sender of the message is charged $.50 per message. Rates are subject to change.
  2. For friends and family outside of a facility, this amount is deducted from the prepaid account balance or charged to your direct bill account.
  3. For inmates, the amount is charged to the inmate and deducted from the inmate’s debit account.
  4. There is no charge to read a message that was sent to you.

Paytel App Download

Check to see if Tablets are Available in Burke County Jail for rent to your inmate. Tablets can be used for phone calls, messaging, education, and entertainment.

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Burke County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Burke County Jail follow these steps:

How inteleMESSAGE Works

  • The Burke County Jail inmate must contact you first in order to activate messaging for your account.
  • Once an inmate has messaged you, you are then able to visit the Pay Tel website, log in, read and respond to his or her messages. 
  • When you log in and follow the inteleMESSAGE™ link, you will be asked if you want to accept messages from your Burke County inmate. If you accept, you will then be able to read any inmate message that has been sent to you.

For all information on rates, and how to Text/Email an Inmate in Burke County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Burke County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Burke County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-764-9590 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Burke County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Paytel Tablets can be rented by inmates housed in the Burke County Jail for a small monthly fee.  


Tablets can be used by inmates, for the following things:

  • Phone Calls
  • Messages (email / texts)
  • Educational applications
  • Entertainment (movies, games, television, music)
  • Burke County Jail information (rules, guidelines, visitation schedules, etc.)
  • Legal research
  • Medical requests
  • Programs (anger management, drug recovery, job skills, parenting, etc.)

Contact Paytel online, or call the Burke County Jail directly at 828-764-9590 to rent a tablet for your inmate.


If you want download the Paytel App, click the image below:

Tablets Rentals Offer Great Solutions for Inmates at the Burke County Jail

How can you rent a tablet for an inmate in Burke County? Read the following:


Tablets can be used by inmates, for the following things:

  • Phone Calls
  • Messages (email / texts)
  • Educational applications and Entertainment
  • Legal Research
  • and much more!

Contact Paytel online, or call the Burke County Jail directly at 828-764-9590 to rent a tablet for your inmate.

To find out everything you need to know about renting a tablet, what it can be used for, how much it costs, and more, check out our Tablet Page for Burke County Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Burke County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-764-9590 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Burke County Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Burke County?

Burke Rutherford McDowell Avery Caldwell Cleveland Lincoln Catawba
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Search for an Inmate in Burke County

This facility, known as "Burke County Jail" is also known as Burke County Jail, North Carolina, Burke.