Clay County Jail – Clay Center, KS

Clay County Jail is in Clay County, Kansas and is the primary correctional facility for the county. Do you know someone locked up in Clay County Jail? This guide gives you all about everything related to Clay County Jail: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Clay County Jail intake procedures. Court information. And much, much more.

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The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give information that you need to make going to jail easier. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it, and also any feedback or comments that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation is appreciated.

General Information

Address

Clay County Jail
539 Lincoln Ave.
Clay Center, KS 67432

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: 785-632-5601
Fax Number:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is in jail and don’t know how to find them?

Do you know a family member or friend who’s been arrested and you need to find them?

To search who’s in jail at Clay County Jail you have to visit their link and use the inmate search.

Inmate Locator

The Clay County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, bail amount (if applicable), and times you can visit. Also, you are able to get the same information for anyone who has been arrested or released within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to find their arrest information fast if you’ve got their name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member may be at a different jail you should look here: Other County Jails in Kansas


Mugshots

A mugshot, or booking picture, is a photo that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one face photo and a side-view photo. Your full name and jail ID number will appear on the photos, and they’re kept on file.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of Clay County Jail prisoners can be seen on the Clay County Jail website, or you can view them at the Clay County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to input the inmate’s first and last name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Want to have your mugshot removed from the Clay County Jail website? This can be tricky, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the various mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

If you are locked up, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail will be set by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you must promise to go to your court date, and in the meantime you won’t be permitted to leave the county.

Typically, inmates at Clay County Jail will earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will have to stay the jail every day after work, or you could get to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the courts in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone you know will need to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total set in order to get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for court, whoever put up your bail money won’t get the bail money back.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out someone’s bail amount you need to call the jail. If know the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Needing to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but most of the time, its very simple to do. First, figure out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail will not accept a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

Bail Bondsman

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just don’t have the money, you should hire a bail bondsman. They usually have a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and usually charge a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman will usually require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

You can find a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Clay County Jail

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to share your story

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Time Off For Good Behavior
  • Work Release
  • Released For Time Served
  • Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
  • House Arrest
  • Get Released on Your Own Recognizance


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake procedure takes you through the following steps:

  • They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
  • First, will answer some simple questions, such as what your legal name is, your address, birthdate and a contact person.
  • They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
  • You will be issued an inmate number.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • They will take your mugshot.
  • Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
  • They will let you use the phone in order to call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
  • If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to wear your street clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please share your experience. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any secrets that will help other people that get arrested make it through the process?

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Discharge Procedures

Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. This process will take from 30 minutes to all day. In other words the faster you can post bail, the quicker you can get released from jail. Also, it might depend on whether you have a cash bond amount or if a magistrate needs to figure out how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the discharge date, expect to get discharged that morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

issued for your arrest, or if you must start your sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell them that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if you do, they will take you into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring required items when you go to jail, for example a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the copy of the sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

In order to have visitors, inmates need to give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered into the log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor will be required to provide identification. Anyone showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Clay County Jail frequently change, so you should check the jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the jail rules, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or eliminated completely.

The Clay County Jail phone number is: 785-632-5601

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mall sent to inmates must be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other method of delivery. You have to clearly write or type the name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t mail a package or box, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail gets opened and reviewed by the jail administration, and will be sent back if deemed inappropriate.

Mailing Address

The mailing address for Clay County Jail is:

Clay County Jail
539 Lincoln Ave.
Clay Center, KS 67432

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Clay County Jail
539 Lincoln Ave.
Clay Center, KS 67432


The mail policy at Clay County Jail can change, so you should visit the official Clay County Jail site when you send a letter.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

When you get arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these being the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is important to get a friend or relative to find an attorney when you talk to them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you understand the court system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better.

To read more about this subject, go to: How to Find a Lawyer

Public Defender

If you can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender Office is staffed by investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. Public Defenders are real attorneys who are members of the Kansas State Bar and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court Records

Court records are public records and are available upon request. They include a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case via the Clay County website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

The Clay County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath during court cases, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your case are held at Clerk of Court’s office.

Fees

Court fees and costs are the costs associated with your case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees.

Magistrate

A Magistrate is the judge that rules over your case. Magistrate judges do many different things, which include setting bail, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is prepared with background information and information about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim. Bear in mind that you can request to get a copy of this report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

Sentencing

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get locked up immediately, or you might be given a date to report to jail to serve your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Want to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, you will have to go to the Clay County jail website, and do a search using:

  • Name.
  • Birth date.
  • Their booking date if you know it.
  • and their jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

Warrant Inquiry

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can check the court records on the website or you are able to call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know the person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Clay County jail, either by phone, in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are public record and the information is freely available.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, such as court orders. You can find these by getting in touch with the Clay County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access sex offenders online, but bear in mind that you won’t see the precise address, but only the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public records. They include a court case file containing a docket and any filings and documents filed in the court case. You are able to access court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal past. These online databases are all connected and you can track criminal convictions from another state. You can go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for these crimes:

  • DWI or DUI.
  • Drug offenses.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes like assault or murder.
  • Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, you generally will not find if they had:

  • Tickets for speeding.
  • Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
  • Traffic accidents.
  • Minor infractions or moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To find this information, you must do a driving records search.

    Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you call the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback could help other people.

    Click here to leave a comment

    Most Wanted

    The FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Clay County, the Clay County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

    FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

    Clay County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in Clay County Jail is no fun, soon you will settle into the routine that is set for you. All inmates get a wake-up alarm at 6:00 AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will work in the program that has been assigned to you. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

    Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Clay County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

    Dress Code

    When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Clay County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

    How To Send Money to an Inmate

    You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

    The rules for sending funds to jail inmates might change, so you should check the the Clay County Jail website when you send funds to an inmate.

    Commissary

    The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

    Inmate Medications

    If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

    Meals

    You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

    Pods / The Yard

    The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

    Gangs

    As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


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    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at Clay County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Clay County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

    Apply for a Job at Clay County Jail

    Requirements:

    • You must be over the age of 21.
    • You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
    • You must be a US Citizen.
    • You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
    • You must pass a drug test.
    • You must have a good level of fitness.
    • You must be in good health.
    • You must have a valid Driver’s License
    • An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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    Family Resources

    There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

    If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

    Click here to tell about all about it


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    Victim Resources

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

    • Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
    • Victims have the right to notification.
    • Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
    • Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • Victims have the right to restitution.
    • Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
    • Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

    The definition of victim includes:

    • Spouses and children of all victims.
    • Parents and guardians of minor victims.
    • Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
    • Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

    There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

    Victim Notification

    The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

    Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

    Click here to share your story

    Sex Offender Information and Search

    All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

    Domestic Violence

    If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever spent any time in Clay County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at this jail?

    If your answer is yes, then we would like you to write a review about it. Write down what you experienced because others can find out what to expect.

    What to write in what you write:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail facility and layout
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Food and commissary
    • Having Visitors
    • Other Inmates.
    • Inmate safety
    • Jail gangs
    • Inmate programs and activities


    Click here to write your review

    Tell Your Story

    Everbody that’s been incarcerated has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

    Post A Comment

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Make some good friends in jail? Are you trying to talk to a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

    Say Hello to people incarcerated at Clay County Jail

    Links and Resources

    Main Clay County Jail Website
    Clay County Jail Inmate Search
    Clay County Jail Mugshots
    Clay County Jail Bail Amount Link

    Clay County Jail Visitation Procedures
    Clay County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
    Clay County Jail Inmate Search
    Clay County Warrants
    Clay County Jail Arrests
    Send Money to an Inmate at Clay County Jail
    Clay County Jail Jobs


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