McDowell County Jail
McDowell County Jail
For inmate information, the 225-bed McDowell County Jail can be reached at 828-652-2236 24 hours a day.
This facility conducts booking and processing for all misdemeanor and felony arrests in the county. Inmates whose charges require detention remain here until they bond out, are released on their own recognizance, or are held through the end of their trial.
The inmate search tool gives you access to the list of people currently in custody.
Those serving a sentence of less than one year serve it at this jail. Those with a sentence of a year or longer are transferred to the North Carolina State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page gives you information about the visitation schedule, how to fund an inmate’s account, mail an inmate, receive phone calls, use voicemail, send emails and texts, rent tablets, post bail, and purchase commissary.
Save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number, as it’s commonly needed for mail. If you can’t locate it online, call McDowell County Jail at 828-652-2236.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the McDowell 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 828-652-2236 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 McDowell County.
McDowell County Jail Inmate Search
The McDowell County Jail maintains an average of 225 offenders in custody on any given day. The McDowell 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 McDowell County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 4,500 offenders.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessAs a division of the Sheriff’s Department, the 225-bed McDowell County Jail operates around the clock and houses all of the offenders arrested throughout McDowell County on either a misdemeanor or a felony for the pre-trial period as well as during short sentences or awaiting transfer.
This location provides for all of the needs for inmate throughout their incarceration, and any questions or concerns regarding an inmate can be directed to the staff directly, by calling 828-652-2236, while their status and bail can be determined with the online lookup.
Meals are provided three times each day, and inmates will have access to phones for making collect calls, or calls through prepaid accounts to their family members and friends during their free daytime hours.
Programs are in place to assist in rehabilitation efforts and reducing recidivism, as well as medical care, mental health initiatives, and necessary dental care. Inmates may be supported financially through deposits to their accounts from those outside of incarceration through the lobby kiosks or online and this will allow them to purchase necessary and other items to make their stay more comfortable.
Visits are conducted by video and are provided on demand, which permits inmates to place a video call when it suits their schedule rather than a prescheduled time.
The McDowell County Sheriff has an app if you want to look up inmates.
- Jail (Main): 828-652-2236
- Sheriff: 828-652-2236
The booking procedure at McDowell County Jail
After an arrest, individuals are taken to McDowell County Jail for the booking process, where their identity is confirmed, charges are reviewed, and decisions are made about whether they will be released on bail or detained.
The arrested individual should remain silent during booking, as anything said could be used against them. It’s important to wait for legal representation before answering questions.
The booking process at McDowell County Jail includes the following steps:
- Personal identification confirmation.
- Mugshots for record-keeping.
- Answering health-related questions and inquiries about criminal history.
- DNA collection may be required.
- Conducting a thorough body search.
- Securing personal belongings.
- Providing a phone call.
For questions about an arrestee’s bond or bail, contact the facility at 828-652-2236.
How to handle bail after an arrest in McDowell County
If someone has been booked at McDowell County Jail in Marion, their next steps may include:
1. Release without posting bail, provided they agree to attend court.
2. Detainment until their trial.
3. Posting bail or bond to secure release. For the exact amount, call 828-652-2236.
There are a variety of payment methods available for bail.
- The usual way to post a cash bond is to pay the full amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk of court by cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also offer card payment through a lobby kiosk or online bond vendor for a fee, and you should bring the inmate's full name and booking number (call 828-652-2236 for the jail).
- Assistance is available from licensed bail bond companies in McDowell County.
- Real property bonds are accepted in many courts: an owner may offer land or a home after showing clear title and equity of at least the bond, often double, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves it.
For a full guide to the bail process in McDowell County, North Carolina, visit the McDowell County Jail Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the McDowell County Jail? What is the Schedule?
McDowell County Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
593 Spaulding Road
Marion, NC 28752
828-652-2236
Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC
- On-site Visits are free.
- Visits are 20-30 minutes.
- Visitation schedule subject to change.
- Inmates are allowed two visits per week
- A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an On-site video session. A 3rd guest is allowed if it is a child and no more than 6 years old.
- All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | No video sessions |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| SATURDAY | No video sessions |
McDowell County Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
- All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- Visitation Schedule subject to change.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
McDowell County Jail uses the services of NCIC for remote video visitation.
In other words, you can visit your inmate in jail by using your home computer, as long as it is equipped with a microphone and camera that supports video.
Ask McDowell County Jail whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
Costs
NCIC shows the price of a video visit before you confirm it. Rates are set by the provider and can change.
Ask McDowell County Jail whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
How to set up your Video Visit
- Register here.
- Select McDowell County Jail
- Select your inmate.
- Choose your date and time.
Your inmate will be notified by the jail staff of the date and time for the visit. Be logged in and connected to NCIC before the scheduled start time.
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – info@ncic.com
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about McDowell County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-652-2236 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the McDowell County Jail?
McDowell County Jail uses the services of NCIC for remote video visitation.
In other words, you can visit your inmate in jail by using your home computer, as long as it is equipped with a microphone and camera that supports video.
Ask McDowell County Jail whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
Costs
NCIC shows the price of a video visit before you confirm it. Rates are set by the provider and can change.
Ask McDowell County Jail whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
How to set up your Video Visit
- Register here.
- Select McDowell County Jail
- Select your inmate.
- Choose your date and time.
Your inmate will be notified by the jail staff of the date and time for the visit. Be logged in and connected to NCIC before the scheduled start time.
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – info@ncic.com
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about McDowell County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-652-2236 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the McDowell County Jail?
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: McDowell County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in McDowell County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in McDowell County Jail follow these steps:
- Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
- Select North Carolina, then McDowell County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
- Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
- Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
- NOTE: McDowell County Jail may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally.
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in McDowell County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for McDowell County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about McDowell County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-652-2236 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the McDowell County Jail?
How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in McDowell County Jail?
To receive phone calls from an inmate in McDowell County follow these instructions:
McDowell County Jail uses the services of NCIC for inmate phone calling. It is called a ‘friends & family account”.
In order to receive phone calls from your inmate, you need to do the following:
- Register here, or by phone 800-943-2189
- Choose North Carolina.
- Choose McDowell County Jail
- Select your Inmate.
- Enter the phone number your Inmate will be calling.
- Fund your account.
NOTE:
1. You cannot receive any calls to your phone number from your inmate until both you and your phone number are registered.
2. When you do receive a call, the number you will view on your phone from the incoming call is: 800-943-2189.
3. When allowed by McDowell County Jail, families can also leave secure voicemails for inmates to listen to.
Fees
- Adding funds to your account: NCIC's terms cap the fee for an automated payment (web, phone menu or kiosk) at $3.00.
- NCIC shows the current per-minute rate when you set up the account.
- NCIC's terms put the live-agent fee for a phone payment or account set-up at no more than $5.95.
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – info@ncic.com
Full list of participating jails.
For all the information regarding phone calls with McDowell County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, fees, limits 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 McDowell County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-652-2236 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the McDowell County Jail, and what can I send them?
McDowell County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the McDowell County Jail whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The McDowell 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#
McDowell County Jail
593 Spaulding Rd.
Marion, NC 28752
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
McDowell County Jail
593 Spaulding Rd.
Marion, NC 28752
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
Ask the McDowell County Jail whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the McDowell County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Ask the McDowell County Jail whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
McDowell County Jail
593 Spaulding Rd.
Marion, NC 28752
McDowell County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the McDowell County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the McDowell County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
McDowell County Jail
593 Spaulding Rd.
Marion, NC 28752
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about McDowell County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-652-2236 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the McDowell County Jail, and what can I purchase?
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select North Carolina, then McDowell County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
5. Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
Inmate Canteen has a selection of hundreds of items available to purchase for inmates in McDowell County.
The items range from candy, snacks, coffee and other drinks, undergarments, stationary supplies and more.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in McDowell County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in McDowell County Jail follow these steps:
- Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
- Select North Carolina, then McDowell County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
- Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
- Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in McDowell County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for McDowell County.
Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about McDowell County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-652-2236 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the McDowell County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
The McDowell County Jail contracts with Prodigy Telephone Solutions. Inmates have ability to use their Messaging Service to send and receive electronic messages.
Depending on the facility, inmates can either view messages from you by:
- Viewing it on a device at the jail,
- Viewing it on a Kiosk in their unit,
- Print it out, and/or
- Respond electronically.
Pay for the Prodigy Inmate Messaging Service at McDowell County Jail.
- Online,
- Over the Phone by calling 866-700-4545,
- Using a Kiosk at McDowell County Jail.
Pay for Prodigy.
- Using a Kiosk at McDowell County Jail.
- Over the phone by calling 877-810-0914.
How much does it cost to send and receive messages?
Rates to send messages vary and are subject to change.
The typical cost is $1.00 per message, plus $1.00 per photo and $3.00 per 30 second video when available.
Step 1 - Sign in or create an account to find your facility.
Step 2 - Fund Account
NOTE: By turning on messaging, you will fund your account with $5.00 and authorize Prodigy / Jail ATM to charge your payment method for the same amount if you send a message or receive a collect message and do not have enough money.
The McDowell County Jail contracts with Prodigy Telephone Solutions. Inmates have ability to use their Messaging Service to send and receive electronic messages.
Depending on the facility, inmates can either view messages from you by:
- Viewing it on a device at the jail,
- Viewing it on a Kiosk in their unit,
- Print it out, and/or
- Respond electronically.
Pay for the Prodigy Inmate Messaging Service at McDowell County Jail.
- Online,
- Over the Phone by calling 866-700-4545,
- Using a Kiosk at McDowell County Jail.
Pay for Prodigy.
- Using a Kiosk at McDowell County Jail.
- Over the phone by calling 877-810-0914.
How much does it cost to send and receive messages?
Rates to send messages vary and are subject to change.
The typical cost is $1.00 per message, plus $1.00 per photo and $3.00 per 30 second video when available.
Step 1 - Sign in or create an account to find your facility.
Step 2 - Fund Account
NOTE: By turning on messaging, you will fund your account with $5.00 and authorize Prodigy / Jail ATM to charge your payment method for the same amount if you send a message or receive a collect message and do not have enough money.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about McDowell County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-652-2236 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the McDowell County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about McDowell County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-652-2236 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding McDowell County?
Nearby counties
This facility, known as "McDowell County Jail" is also known as McDowell County Jail , McDowell County Jail , North Carolina, McDowell.