Frequently Asked Questions

About Johnston County Sheriff's Office

question_answerQ: What is the physical location of the Johnston County Sheriff's Office?

A: 120 South Third Street, Smithfield, N.C. 27577
question_answerQ: Can I call to check on the status of a warrant?

A: No. We no longer reveal the status of warrants over the phone. However, you may come to the Sheriff’s Office and bring a valid ID to obtain that information.
question_answerQ: Where do I go to be fingerprinted for employment requirements?

A: The Sheriff’s Office now provides non-criminal fingerprinting for employment and concealed pistol permits in our office from 8am until 4pm Monday through Friday.
question_answerQ: What are the requirements for fingerprinting?

A: To be fingerprinted you must produce a valid driver’s license with your correct physical address where you are currently residing. If you are being fingerprinted for employment purposes, you must bring the required paperwork issued by the business that is requiring fingerprinting.
question_answerQ: Is there a cost for fingerprinting?

A: Yes. The fee for fingerprinting is $15.00 and must be paid by cash or check.
question_answerQ: When can I apply for a concealed carry permit and what are the requirements?

A: Concealed carry permits applications are taken Monday through Friday from 8am until 4pm. You must bring the original certificate from the required training course and a valid North Carolina driver’s license with your correct physical address where you are currently residing. The permit fee is $90 payable by cash or check and there is usually a 90 day turnaround for approval and issuance. Fingerprinting is required and provided at the Sheriff’s Office. For more information, please visit this link: Click Here
question_answerQ: Is there a fee to have a civil process served?

A: Yes. As set forth in North Carolina General Statutes, the civil process service fee is $30 to be paid with cash or check at the time the paper is received

About the Jail

question_answerQ: What is the physical address of the Johnston County Jail?

A: 127 S. Second Street, Smithfield, NC 27577
question_answerQ: How do I send mail to an inmate in the Johnston County Jail?

A: All mail should be addressed to the inmate and mailed to:

Inmate’s Name
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577

* Please include a return address.
question_answerQ: What are the phone numbers for the Johnston County Jail?

A:
General Information: (919) 989-5040
Mail and Visitation: (919) 989-5045
Medical: (919) 989-5035
Administration: (919) 989-5034
question_answerQ: What can I bring or mail to an inmate in the Johnston County Jail?

A: Inmates may only receive a soft cover Bible or Koran. Any other necessities or items are available for purchase from our commissary, including a variety of hygiene products, writing materials and snacks. Commissary orders are limited to $40 per week. Calling cards are also available for purchase by an inmate. If you are in possession of an inmate’s prescription medication, you will need to call (919) 989-5035 to receive instructions from our medical staff.
question_answerQ: How do I put money in an inmate’s account at the Johnston County Jail?

A: Money orders only, no checks or cash, may be mailed to the Johnston County Jail. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1496, Smithfield, NC 27577. Address the envelope and money order to the inmate. You may also bring money orders to visitation if you are registered to visit the inmate. There is no limit to the amount of money an inmate may have in his jail account.
question_answerQ: Can I send Books, Newspapers or Magazines to an inmate in the Johnston County Jail?

A: Books may only be received in the Johnston County Jail if shipped directly by a publisher or bookstore. Books may only be soft cover; no hard back or spiral bound books allowed and may not contain nudity or sexually suggestive material, gang signs or symbols, drugs or alcohol, or depictions of violence. Newspapers or Magazines may only be received from the publisher (example: subscription). All items received in the Johnston County Jail are subject to inspection. Unauthorized items will be returned to sender by US Postal Service. Any inmate who leaves the Johnston County Jail before a subscription to a newspaper or magazine runs out may gift that subscription to another inmate or staff will donate it to inmates still in custody.
question_answerQ: Can I send pictures to an inmate in the Johnston County Jail?

A: Inmates in the Johnston County Jail may receive up to 5 pictures no larger in size than 5 X 7. Pictures may not contain nudity or any sexually suggestive content, gang signs or symbols, drugs or alcohol, any form of violence or any other offensive content.
question_answerQ: How may I visit an inmate in the Johnston County Jail?

A: Visitation is held each weekend by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call (919) 989-5045 on Tuesday or Wednesday between the hours of 10am – 2pm. Appointments are based on a “first come, first serve” basis. Be prepared with the names of all people who will be visiting. Only 4 people may visit an inmate during any appointment. Each inmate is allowed one 15 minute appointment per week. Each person registering to visit that is 16 years of age or older must have a valid ID or driver’s license issued by the DMV and be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. Visitation is located at 127 S. Second Street, Smithfield, NC 27577, in the Magistrate’s lobby.
question_answerQ: How can I receive phone calls from an inmate in the Johnston County Jail?

A: Securus Communications provides inmate phone service for the Johnston County Jail. Inmates may call collect or purchase phone cards provided by the jail to use the phone system. If your home phone does not permit collect calls, family and friends may set up a pre-paid account with Securus by calling 1-800-844-6591. You may also contact Securus to determine the cost of a phone call from the jail.
question_answerQ: How can I get a message to an inmate in the Johnston County Jail?

A: Officers and staff of the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and Jail are not permitted to relay messages to inmates. Please use the mailing address to deliver any messages to inmates. Inmates may purchase phone cards twice weekly or call collect using the phones provided by the jail.
question_answerQ: How do I get prescription medication to an inmate in the Johnston County Jail?

A: If you are in possession of an inmate’s prescription medication, you will need to call (919) 989-5035 to receive instructions from our medical staff. Only prescription medication in the container provided by the pharmacy will be accepted. Johnston County Jail does not accept narcotic medications.
question_answerQ: How do I find out what an inmate’s charges and/or bond amount is?

A: Charge and bond information can be obtained by calling the jail at (919) 989-5040 or the Clerk’s Office at (919) 209-5400. Please be prepared to provide the inmate’s full name
question_answerQ: How do I get an inmate released from the Johnston County Jail?

A: Contact the Magistrate’s Office at (919) 209-5463 to determine the requirements for having an inmate released from jail or you can contact a bondsman. A list of bonding agents is displayed in the Magistrate’s office and the local phone book.
question_answerQ: How do I find out a scheduled court appearance for an inmate?

You may check the Administrative Office of the Courts website link for any upcoming court dates: http://www1.aoc.state.nc.us/www/calendars/CriminalQuery.html
question_answerQ: How do I find out what attorney represents an inmate?

A: To inquire about an inmate’s attorney you can call the jail at (919) 989-5040 or the Clerk’s Office at (919) 209-5400. Please be prepared to provide the inmate’s full name.
question_answerQ: Who do I need to call about an inmate having a court date in another county?

A: If an inmate currently being housed in the jail has a court date in another county, you will need to call the District Attorney’s Office or Clerk’s Office in that county. They may need proof of the inmate’s incarceration.
question_answerQ: Who do I need to call if I want to drop charges against an inmate?

A: To request assistance with dropping the charges against an inmate you need to contact the District Attorney’s Office in the county that the charges were taken out in.