Clay County Jail – Fort Gaines, GA

Clay County Jail is located in Clay County and is the primary correctional facility for the region. Are you looking for somebody locked up at Clay County Jail? This page gives you info about anything you might want to know about Clay County Jail,like: How to locate an inmate at Clay County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Clay County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And lots more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to offer information and tips you need to make getting locked up a little less stressful. If you have questions, just ask it, and also any comments or feedback that would help others is appreciated.

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

Do you know a family member or friend who’s been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To see who’s in jail at Clay County Jail you will have to go to their website and do an inmate search.

The Clay County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of persons who have been arrested, including status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you can get info for anybody booked or released in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to locate their inmate information quicker if you’ve got their first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for is incarcerated at a different jail you should check our guide to other Georgia jails: List of all jails in Georgia

A mugshot, also called a booking picture, is the picture taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually one face photo and a side-view photo. Your name and jail ID number will appear on the mugshot, and they are stored.

Mugshots are on the website, or you can see them at the Clay County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you need to enter the inmate’s name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot erased from the Clay County Jail website? This is difficult, as your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

Return To Main Menu

Obviously, if you are in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail will be determined either by bail schedule or magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to promise to show up for court, and until that date you won’t be allowed to leave the county.

In most cases, a prisoner in the Clay County Jail are given early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and act right while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will have to stay jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you could be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail until your court date. Your bail amount is dictated by the seriousness of your charges. You will need to pay ten percent of the total set in order for you to be released. If you don’t go to your court date, the person that paid your bail will not get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the Clay County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, it’s really easy. First, you have to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you can’t get a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t accept a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If bail is set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. They will usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman will in these cases request to use your personal assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To contact a bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

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

Tell Your Story

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake procedure includes each of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• You will have to answer some questions, like what is your full legal name, address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will let you use the telephone so you can talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you will be allowed to wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Do you know any secrets that will help other people that get arrested make it through the process?

Click here to post a comment

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged may take anywhere between 15 minutes to all day. In other words the faster you post bail, the faster you will get let go. Also, how fast you get released can depend on if you have a bond amount or if a judge needs to determine the bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and have a release date, plan to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you should follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go down to the jail, and tell them that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Only bring required items when you turn yourself in, such as your driver’s license or even state issued ID, prescription medication, as well as the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates must give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s names will be put in the visitation log for the inmate. Each visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone that gets to visitation or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures change often, so you should review the jail site before you visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are much pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules, your ability to use the phone might get reduced or cut altogether.

The Clay County Jail phone number is: 229-768-2505

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of delivery. You have to write the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Don’t send a box or package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and read by the jail administration, and the mail will get sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Clay County Jail:

Clay County Jail
P.O. Box 22
Fort Gaines, GA 39851

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Clay County Jail
P.O. Box 22
Fort Gaines, GA 39851

The Clay County Jail mail policy changes often, so you should double check the site before you send a letter to an inmate there.

Return To Main Menu

When you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to have a friend or relative find an attorney when you call. You may be thinking ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you through the court system. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better.

For more information on this subject, go to: How to Find a Lawyer in Clay County

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are real attorneys that are admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to practice law in Georgia.

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

Court records are a matter of public record. They are comprised of a file with a docket and every documents and motions that have been filed. You have the ability to access court records via the website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Clay County Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records from your court case are held at the Clay County Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges from your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The magistrate is the person that presides on your case. They do several different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared with your background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Keep in mind you are allowed to ask to receive a copy of this report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service to probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get immediately taken into custody, or given a date to turn yourself into jail to do your time.

Return To Main Menu

Do you need to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you need to access the jail’s website, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the Clay County jail website or you can call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Clay County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All convicted sex offenders are listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see these offenders on the website, but bear in mind that you can’t get the street address, but rather the block they live on.

Court Records are public records. These records include a court case file that contains a court docket and all filings and documents filed in your case. You can access the court records online, or at the Clay County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of people’s criminal background. These databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You are able to go to the Clay County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a completely different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

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

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases won’t learn if that person had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you call the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account might help other people.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Clay County, the Clay County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Clay County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in Clay County Jail is no fun, eventually you will get used to the daily routine. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6am, and then roll call. Then 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 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 process for sending money to inmates changes, so be sure to check the the Clay County Jail website when you send any money.


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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

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.


Return To Main Menu

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 post a comment


Return To Main Menu

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.

Tell 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.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated at this jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

If you have, then you should write a review about it. Tell us about what you experienced so others can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story about it. Why were you locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you need to talk to a friend from jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Say Hello

Links and Resources

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

Clay County Jail Visitation Procedures
Clay County Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Clay County Jail
Clay County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Clay County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Clay County Jail
Clay County Jail Employment


Return To Main Menu
451