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To find inmate records in Lenoir County, North Carolina, you can begin your search online by visiting the official Lenoir County Sheriff's Office website, which may provide a searchable database or information on current detainees. If online records are limited or unavailable, you can contact the Lenoir County Detention Center directly either by phone or by visiting in person at 130 South Queen Street, Kinston, NC 28501. The detention center staff can assist you with inmate lookup requests and provide additional guidance on obtaining information. Additionally, North Carolina's statewide offender search, managed by the Department of Public Safety (https://webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do), allows users to search for inmates housed at county and state facilities. For more detailed or historical inmate records, you may also contact the Lenoir County Clerk of Court's office, located at the Lenoir County Courthouse, for assistance with court documents and case files related to specific inmates. Always have as much identifying information as possible, such as full name or date of birth, to expedite your request regardless of the method you choose.

How to Find an Inmate in Lenoir County, NC

Inmate records for Lenoir County, NC are accessible online, but the best search tool depends on whether the individual is held in the county jail, a North Carolina state prison, or a federal facility. Use the following resources to locate an inmate based on their custody level:

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Lenoir County Jail / SheriffLocal jail inmatesPhone: (252) 559-6118
Address: 130 S Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
Call or visit the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office to request inmate information. No online roster available.
North Carolina DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmatesNC DPS Offender Public InformationSearch by name or DOC number for state inmates across North Carolina.
VINE Inmate SearchCounty & state inmatesNC VINElinkRegister for notifications, search current custody status, for both county and state-level offenders.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal prison inmatesBOP Inmate LocatorNC has no federal prisons; most federal inmates from NC are held at FCC Butner or nearby facilities out of state.
In-Person Records RequestJail & recent arrest infoVisit: Lenoir Co. Sheriff at 130 S Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501In-person requests yield the most current booking and release info for the Lenoir County Detention Center.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Lenoir County

After an arrest in Lenoir County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, receive a medical screening, and are assigned a housing unit. The typical booking process takes approximately 4–8 hours.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDriving Under the Influence, DWLRHigh12–48 hours or until bond is posted
Drug OffensesPossession of Marijuana, Cocaine, ParaphernaliaHigh24 hours to several days, depending on charge/bond
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple Assault, Domestic BatteryHigh48–72 hours (often requires initial court appearance)
Property CrimesLarceny, Breaking & Entering, TheftModerate24 hours to several days; may be held if bond unmet
Failure to AppearMissed court date on prior chargesModerateUntil next court session or until bond is posted
Outstanding WarrantsPrevious unserved warrantsHighVaries widely; depends on originating charge
Felony (Pre-Trial)Armed Robbery, Burglary, Aggravated AssaultModerateUntil trial/conclusion of case; sentenced offenders are transferred to a state facility

Visitation Rules at Lenoir County Jail

Before planning your visit to Lenoir County Jail, please verify all visitation rules directly with the facility, as they may change. Ensure you are on the inmate's approved visitor list prior to your arrival.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
Monday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
Tuesday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
Wednesday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
Thursday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
Friday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
Saturday9:00 am – 11:00 amIn-personConfirm with facility
SundayNo visitationN/AConfirm with facility

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo ID required for all adult visitors
Dress CodeModest attire required; no revealing or offensive clothing
Prohibited ItemsNo cell phones, bags, weapons, or contraband allowed
Visitor Approval ProcessMust be on inmate's pre-approved visitation list; approval required
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Attorney / Clergy VisitsPermitted outside regular hours by appointment and proper credentials

How to Contact an Inmate at Lenoir County Jail

Inmates at Lenoir County Jail can be reached by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging; all communications are subject to monitoring and recording.

Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Lenoir County Jail
130 South Queen Street, Kinston, NC 28501

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates make outgoing calls via [Provider] phone system.Set up an account with [Provider].All calls monitored; no incoming calls allowed; time limits apply.
Physical MailSend letters to the mailing address; staff distribute.No setup needed for standard mail.No contraband; no cash/checks; address mail correctly.
Digital MessagingSend/receive messages via [Provider] online service.Register with [Provider] platform.Messages screened; inappropriate content blocked.
Video CallsSchedule video visits through [Provider].Create [Provider] account online.Scheduled times; monitored; dress code and conduct enforced.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lenoir County

The North Carolina Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders. Local reentry support is available in Lenoir County through a combination of state agencies and community-based programs to help returning citizens succeed.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
North Carolina Board of ParoleDecides parole eligibility and conditions for state-sentenced offenders.State prison inmates & familieshttps://www.ncdps.gov/about/adult-correction/prisons/post-release-supervision-parole-commission
Phone: 919-716-3010
Good Time / Sentence ReductionOffers reduced incarceration time for good behavior and program participation as determined by NCDPS.Eligible state inmateshttps://www.ncdps.gov/about/adult-correction/prisons/inmate-programs/sentence-reductions
Parole SupervisionCommunity supervision and support post-release; includes Lenoir County Parole/Probation office.Parolees in Lenoir CountyLenoir County Community Corrections Office
218 W. King St., Kinston, NC 28501
Phone: 252-523-8087
Reentry HousingAssistance finding transitional and permanent housing after release.Individuals released from custodyNC Reentry Programs: https://www.ncdoj.gov/reentry-resources/
NC Housing Search: https://www.nchousingsearch.org
Employment AssistanceJob search, resume help, and vocational training for those with criminal records.Returning citizens statewideNCWorks: https://www.ncworks.gov
NCWorks Career Center - Lenoir County:
207 W. King St., Kinston, NC
Phone: 252-526-4434
Benefits RestorationHelp reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits post-release.Eligible returning residentsNC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): https://www.ncdhhs.gov
Lenoir County DSS: 130 W. King St., Kinston, NC
Phone: 252-559-6400
VINE Victim NotificationFree, confidential notification for victims on offender status and release.Crime victims & concerned citizenshttps://vinelink.vineapps.com/state/NC/ENGLISH
NC VINE Hotline: 1-877-627-2826

Lenoir Incarceration Statistics

Lenoir County, North Carolina has a moderate crime rate compared to the state average, with a mix of violent and property offenses. The county operates a local detention center, the Lenoir County Jail, where most inmates are held pending trial or serving short sentences.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)21841514%→ Stable
— Assault18535285%→ Stable
— Robbery254711%↓ Decreasing
— Homicide8154%→ Stable
Property Crime (total)1,0652,02670%↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny7901,50274%↓ Decreasing
— Burglary23043722%→ Stable
— Vehicle Theft45874%↑ Increasing
Drug Offenses1052007%↑ Increasing
DUI / Traffic50953%→ Stable
Domestic Violence851626%↑ Increasing

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender83% Male, 17% FemaleStatewide average used
Age Groups18–24: 22%, 25–34: 31%, 35–44: 27%, 45+: 20%Statewide average used
Race / Ethnicity51% Black, 45% White, 4% OtherStatewide average used
Top Offense TypesProperty crimes, Drug offenses, Violent crimesStatewide average used
Avg. Sentence Length24 monthsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate40%Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lenoir County?

As of the latest available data, Lenoir County holds an estimated 185 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration terms may be transferred to a state facility.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)11059%$6880%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)3821%$6860%
Transferred to State Facility3016%N/AN/A
Federal Holds53%$7220%
Juvenile / Youth00%N/AN/A
Total185100%

Lenoir County Facility Directory

Lenoir County operates one main correctional facility: a county jail. Local youth or specialty corrections needs are typically addressed by state or regional centers outside of the county.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Lenoir County Detention CenterCounty Jail130 South Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501285~220Medium

Lenoir County Prisons and Jails

2 Jails Found
Lenoir County Nc W.e. "billy" Smith Detention Center
130 South Queen Street, Kinston, NC, 28502
252-559-6100 ext. 6195
252-527-5022
Lenoir County Detention Center
130 South Queen Street, Kinston, NC, 28501
252-559-6100
252-527-5022