Clay County Jail – Louisville, IL

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

The prospect of going to jail is a scary idea, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to offer information and tips you need to make helping someone get out of jail less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or tips that might be a benefit to other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend in jail and don’t know how to find out where they are?

Do you know someone that has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to look up who’s in jail at Clay County Jail you have to click on their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Clay County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, including current status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can get the same information for anybody processed or released in the last 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get their inmate information quicker if you have the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for is at another jail you can check the other Illinois county jails in our Illinois County Jail Guide: Illinois County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photograph, is the photograph that the jail takes during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and a profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will appear on the photos, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Clay County Jail inmates are online, or you can view them at the Clay County Jail. When viewing online you will need to put in the inmate’s name, and an arrest date.

Want to have your mugshot taken down from the Clay County Jail site? This is difficult, as your mugshot is a public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be accessible. 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: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, once you are in jail, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you will have to promise to go to your court date, and until that date you will not be permitted to leave the area.

Typically, inmates are given time off for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and act right while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will have to go back to the jail at the end of the day after work, or you might be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you have to pay depends on the seriousness of your charges. You will have to pay 10% of the amount that was set in order to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court date, that person won’t get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will need to call the Clay County Jail. If you have all the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Clay County Jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, its easy if you have the money. First, you need to know if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. Cash only – the jail won’t take checks. When you’ve paid bail, the person will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually have a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and in most cases with a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To talk to a local bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The jail intake procedure is made up of each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you will have to answer some questions, such as what your legal name is, street address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone to call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jail jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get processed? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any things that will help other people to get through the procedure?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you pay your bail, you will get released from jail. The discharge process can take between 30 minutes to many hours. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will be freed. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether you have a cash bond amount or if the judge still needs to decide on your bail amount. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a release date, expect to get discharged between 9am and noon.

In the event there is a, or if you need to start a jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go to the jail, and let them know that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if so, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you are not late to report. Just bring necessary items with you, for example your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you need to provide each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will be entered in a Visiting log for the requesting inmate. Every visitor is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that gets to visitation or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at Clay County Jail are always changing, so you should double-check the jail site before you go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are much more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but bear in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules, phone privileges might get reduced or forbidden.

Phone Number: (618) 665-3316

All mail is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail delivery. You have to clearly write the name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter. Do not send a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail is opened and inspected and read by the jail officers, and the mail will get sent back if it can’t be delivered.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Clay County Jail, use this address:

Clay County Jail
P.O. Box 267
Louisville, IL 62858

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Clay County Jail
P.O. Box 267
Louisville, IL 62858

The inmate mail policy at Clay County Jail is always changing, so you should double check the official website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, one of these is your right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you ask a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call them. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the legal system in Clay County. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

To read more about this, visit: How to Find an Attorney in Clay County

If you cannot afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers who are members of the Illinois State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

All court records are public records. Court records contain a case file containing a docket sheet and each of the documents filed in the case. You can access your court records via the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Clay County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the jury’s verdict. All records related to your court case are kept at the Clay County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the costs associated with your case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Clay County magistrate acts as the judge that will preside over your court case. They do a number of things, which include setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together with the defendant’s background information and information about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, their family, and in some cases the victim of the crime. Remember that you should ask to see your own copy of this report before sentencing, and make sure that you go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should visit the Clay County jail website, and search by:

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

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

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the Clay County court website or call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and their arrest date, contact the Clay County jail, by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and this information is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Clay County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All registered sex offenders must be listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access these listings on the internet, but remember that you will not find the street address, rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file that includes a docket sheet and all of the documents filed in the court case. You can access court records on their website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal history. These online databases are all linked so you can track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

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

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t find if they have had any:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your story could help other people.

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Most Wanted

The FBI keeps a list of the Top 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 Ten Most Wanted List

Clay County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that getting locked up in the Clay County jail is no fun, in time you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. You should expect a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00AM, and then roll call. You will then get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to 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 money to someone in jail at Clay County Jail changes, so be sure to review the the Clay County Jail website before you send any funds.


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 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.

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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.

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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 in this jail? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate in this jail?

If yes, then please tell us about it. Write about your jail experience so that others can learn what to expect.

Things you can put in what you write:

• Conditions in Clay County Jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Programs and activities


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was your daily routine in jail? What about the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to send a message to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Clay County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Clay County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Clay County Jail Jail Mail Link
Locate an inmate at Clay County Jail
Clay County Warrants
Clay County Jail Arrests
Send Funds to an Inmate at Clay County Jail
Jobs at Clay County Jail


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