Use this link to find out where your loved one is being held.

If your loved one is detained in Chatham County, they must have a first appearance within 96 hours of their arrest. A first appearance is a hearing where the defendant’s charges are presented to a judge and a court date is assigned. The judge may also appoint the public defender’s office, change the bond amount, or add bond conditions. If your loved one does not speak English, a translator will be present. First appearances are held virtually on weekdays, usually at 2:00pm. 

Next Steps:

Call the Chatham County Detention Center: (919) 545-7802   Ask what the charges are, whether they are felonies or misdemeanors, what the bond is, when their first appearance court date is, and request a link to watch their first appearance. Let them know if your loved one is on any medication/has any immediate medical needs.

Call Chatham County Pretrial Services: (919) 642-1212   Pretrial services may be able to provide more information and may be able to supervise your loved one to reduce or eliminate the bond requirement. When you call, let them know your name, your loved one’s name, your relationship to your loved one, and a phone number where you can be reached.

Information to Gather

• Charges
• Bond Amount
• Date and Time of First Appearance

Information to Have On-Hand

• Loved One’s Full Name
• Loved One’s Date of Birth
• Arresting Agency (ex. Siler City Police)

Do NOT:

• Attempt to interfere with the arrest. This is unsafe and may result in charges against you as well. If you are present during the arrest, be courteous to the arresting officer and gather as much information as you safely can.
• Discuss details of the case with your loved one over the phone. All calls to and from the jail are recorded.

Additional Phone Numbers:

Chatham County Clerk of Court Office: (919) 545-3500

Chatham County Public Defender’s Office: (919) 545-3514

Useful Links:

Chatham County Courthouse Information

Orange and Chatham County Public Defender’s Office

Find a Court Date

Sign Up for Court Date Notifications

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