Clay County Jail – Spencer, IA

Clay County Jail is located in Clay County and is the main jail for that area. Looking for somebody locked up at Clay County Jail? This site gives you info about anything related to Clay County Jail,like: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Clay County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also their family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give you info you need to make going to jail easier. If you have a question, feel free to ask them, and also any tips or comments that might be beneficial to others is appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is in jail and need to locate them?

Do you know a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

In order to search who’s in jail at Clay County Jail you will need to navigate to their website and do an inmate search.

The Clay County Jail Inmate Lookup has information on people who are in jail, including custody status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. You can also find info on anyone who has been arrested or released within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can get the information fast if you have the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be at a different jail you will want to check our Iowa county jail guide: Other Jails in Iowa

A mugshot, also called a jail intake picture, is a photo that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your full name and jail ID number will be on the pictures, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be searched online, or you can see them in person at the Clay County Jail. When viewing online you have to put in the inmate’s full name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot erased from the Clay County Jail site? This is difficult, because the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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If you’re in jail, your only thought is when and how to get out. After booking, bail will be set by the magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to promise to show up for court, and until that date you can’t leave the county.

In most cases, prisoners in the Clay County Jail are given early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will be required to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you might have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount of bail that is set depends on the seriousness of your charges. You will have to pay 10% of the amount set so you are able to be released. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever posted your bail won’t get the bail money back.

You have to call the Clay County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Clay County Jail site.

Bailing out of jail is never a fun thing, but most of the time, it’s simple to do if you have the money. First of all, find out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not accept a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, of if you can’t pay it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally have a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum of $100. This is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If bail is very large, the bondsman will request to use assets as collateral for the bond.

You can find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Clay County Jail

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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The jail intake procedure is made up of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• First, will have to answer a bunch of questions, like your legal name, street address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• You will get to use the phone to talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any things that could help others to get through the procedure?

Click here to leave a comment

Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged can take from 10 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster you post bail, the quicker you will get discharged. Also, it will depend on whether you’ve got a cash bond or if the judge has to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. If you have served a sentence in jail and are given a release date, you should plan to be released in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you must begin your jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. If you have a warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they find one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring things that are allowed with you, such as a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order.

The inmate have to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail before anyone can visit them. This information will be entered into the visitation log for the inmate. Each visitor must provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone that gets to visitation or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Clay County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so review the official Clay County Jail jail site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are typically more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or forbidden completely.

The Clay County Jail phone number is: (712) 262-3221

All mail must be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of mail or package delivery. You have to write or type the name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and read and inspected by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

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

Clay County Jail
3121 West 4Th Street
Spencer, IA 51301

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Clay County Jail
3121 West 4Th Street
Spencer, IA 51301

The mail policy at Clay County Jail changes frequently, so we suggest that you check the official Clay County Jail site before you send a letter.

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If you get arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, the first of which is your right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to get a friend or family member to find an attorney when you call 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 will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better your chances.

For more information about this, click here: How to Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender is staffed by investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys that are admitted to the Iowa State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law in Iowa.

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

All court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records include a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and every documents and motions that have been filed in your case. You are able to access your court case records via the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records from your case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the costs associated with your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

A Magistrate is the judge that will preside over your case. Magistrates do a number of different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include your background information and information about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, their family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Remember you can request to get your own copy of the report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to correct the mistakes.

When you are 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 prison or jail time. 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 immediately taken into custody, or you might be given a date that you are required to go to jail to do your time.

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Are you trying to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been locked up?

You can just visit the Clay County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants inquiry on the Clay County jail website or call the jail. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are public record and this is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, which can be court orders. 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 have 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 tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view these listings on the website, but you should know that you won’t 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 case file containing a court docket and all documents filed in the case. You can access your court records online, or at the Clay County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal history. These state databases are linked together and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You are able to go to the county courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a different state, 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 crimes, which include:

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

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually won’t be able to see if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this kind of information, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your account might help other people.

Click here to comment

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Clay County, the Clay County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Clay County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in Clay County Jail is quite unpleasant, you will soon get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. You should expect a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. After 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 procedure to send funds to inmates at Clay County Jail might change, so it would be best to review the site 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 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 tell 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:

• 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 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.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever spent any time at this jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate at this jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write about what you experienced so other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in your comment:

• Conditions in Clay County Jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why were you locked up? How did the guards treat you? How was day to day life at Clay County Jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell your story about when you did time at Clay County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to find somebody you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to someone at Clay County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Clay County Jail Visitation
Clay County Jail Jail Mail Link
Find an inmate at Clay County Jail
Clay County Warrants
Clay County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Clay County Jail
Jobs at Clay County Jail


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