Nelson County Jail – Bardstown, KY

Nelson County Jail is in Nelson County and is the primary correctional facility for this county. Do you know somebody locked up at Nelson County Jail? This site gives you about everything a person needs to know about Nelson County Jail: How to locate an inmate at Nelson County Jail. How to view Nelson County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Nelson County court information. And more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary idea, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the information and advice that you need to make getting locked up a lot easier. If you have a question, just ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or tips that might help others will be appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member in jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Has a family member or friend that has been arrested and you need to locate them?

To find out who is in jail at Nelson County Jail you should click on their link and use the inmate lookup.

The Nelson County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. You can get the same information for anyone arrested and booked or discharged within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate the information quicker if you have the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for could possibly be in a different jail you will want to look here: Kentucky County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also called a jail processing photo, is the photograph taken by the police when you are booked into jail. They take one and a side-view photo. Your name and booking number will be on the pictures, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of inmates can be seen online, or you can see them at the Nelson County Jail. When viewing online you will need to enter the prisoner’s legal name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Need to know how to get your mugshot taken off of the Nelson County Jail website? This will be difficult, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Of course, if you’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount is decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to promise to go to your court date, and until that date you are not permitted to go out of town.

In most cases, inmates in the Nelson County Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and act right while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will be required to go back to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you could be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone will have to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was determined so you can bail out of jail. If you miss court, that person will not get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will have to call the Nelson County Jail. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount on the Nelson County Jail site.

Having to get someone out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, it is easy. To start with, you need to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you can’t use a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not take a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and in most cases have a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman may request to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond.

You can find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Nelson County

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to leave a comment

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

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The jail intake process includes the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer a bunch of questions, such as your full name, your address, birth date and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• They will let you make a telephone call in order to contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you will be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Do you know any secrets that could help others make it through the procedure?

Click here to tell your story

When you post bail, you will get released from jail. The discharge process may take anywhere between 10 minutes to all day. Or, simply, the faster you can pay your bail, the faster you can get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged can depend on whether you have a bond amount or if the magistrate needs to decide on how much to set your bail at. For minor offenses, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and are given a release date, you should expect to be released between 9am and noon.

out against you, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, it is recommended that you follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. For a warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell someone that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if so, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late. Only bring required items with you, such as your driver’s license or even state issued ID, prescription medication, as well as a sentencing order from court.

To have visitors, you must list information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitors will go into the visitors log as an approved visitor. Every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone that gets to visitation or without a visiting order will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies change often, so we suggest that you visit the official Nelson County Jail jail site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the jail rules, phone privileges could be reduced or forbidden.

The Nelson County Jail phone number is: 502-348-1840

All mall sent to inmates is required to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other type of delivery. You must write or type the name, inmate number, and the jail address on the letter. Do not mail anything in a box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and examined by staff, and the mail will get returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Nelson County Jail is:

Nelson County Jail
210 Plaza Drive
Bardstown, KY 40004

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Nelson County Jail
210 Plaza Drive
Bardstown, KY 40004

The inmate mail policy at Nelson County Jail changes, so be sure to check the official Nelson County Jail site when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you get arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, and an important one is the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to have a friend or relative find an attorney when you call. You might be thinking ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate the court system. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

To read more about how to find an attorney, visit: How to Find an Attorney in Nelson County

If you cannot afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender’s Office has access to investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are real lawyers that are members of the Kentucky State Bar and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

All court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records have a court case file with a docket sheet and all of the documents in your case. You, and anyone else, can access your court case records using the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Nelson County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your court case are maintained at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges from your court case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

A Magistrate acts as the judge that will preside on your case. They do different tasks, like setting bail amounts, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about your background and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the judge will take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some cases the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you should ask to have your own copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any mistakes that it contains.

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be immediately taken into custody, or given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your term.

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Do you want to find out if someone is incarcerated, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do so, just go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you can call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Nelson County jail, by phone, in person, or look online. An arrest is in the public record and these records are accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as a court order. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You can access this information on the website, but you should know that you won’t get the precise address, just the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that includes a docket sheet and any of the documents filed in your court case. You can access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of people’s criminal background. These state databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. Go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a completely different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for crimes, which include:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally will not be able to find out if that person has had:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this information, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you call the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your story may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Nelson County, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Nelson County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in Nelson County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon get used to the routine that is set for you. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm at about 6:00AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. Following breakfast you will work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. 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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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 process for sending money to Nelson County Jail inmates can change, so be sure to review the site before send money to someone in jail there.


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 Nelson County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Nelson 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 Nelson County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to 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 share your story


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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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You 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 leave a comment

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 been locked up at Nelson County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Nelson County Jail?

If yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write about your experience so other people can learn what to expect.

What to put in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to send a message to somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to Nelson County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Nelson County Jail Website
Nelson County Jail Inmate Search
View Nelson County Jail Mugshots
Nelson County Jail Bail Amount Link

Nelson County Jail Visitation
Nelson County Jail Jail Mail Link
Find an inmate at Nelson County Jail
Nelson County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Nelson County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Nelson County Jail
Nelson County Jail Employment


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