Clay County Jail – Vermillion, SD

Clay County Jail is in Clay County, South Dakota and is the main jail for the area. Know someone in jail at Clay County Jail? This page tells you information about everything you might need to know about Clay County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate at Clay County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Clay County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you all the info that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a specific question, just ask them, and please leave any comments or tips that would be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and want to locate them?

Do you know a family member or friend that has been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to see who’s in jail at Clay County Jail you have to visit their website and use the inmate search.

The Clay County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of people who have been arrested, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and schedule for visitation. You can get information for anyone arrested and booked or released within the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to locate their arrest information more quickly if you enter the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for could possibly be in a different jail you will want to check our guide to other South Dakota jails: South Dakota County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also called a jail intake photograph, is a photo taken by the police during jail intake processing. They will take one full face and one profile photo. Your full name and intake number will be on the photos, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the Clay County Jail website, or you can view them at the Clay County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to put in their first and last name, and a booking date, if you have it.

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

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Of course, if you are locked up, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail is decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to agree to go to your court date, and until that day you are required not to leave town.

Usually, prisoners will earn time off for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while locked up.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will either have to go back to jail at the end of the day after work, or you may be permitted to move into a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail pending trial. Your bail amount is dictated by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to post ten percent of the total that was determined before you can get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

You need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can check their bail amount and status online.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, its easy. To start with, figure out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you will not be able to get a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail won’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, 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 their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. They will usually have a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and sometimes have a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman may use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The intake procedure takes you through each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• You must answer some basic questions, like what is your legal name, street address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will let you use the phone in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take? How were you treated? Do you have any tips that will help other people to get through jail intake?

Click here to share your story

When you post bail, you will get released from jail. This process will take anywhere between 10 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you can get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged depends on whether or not you have a bond amount or if a magistrate must determine how much to set your bail at. For a minor charge, 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 know the date of your release, you should expect to be released between 9am and noon.

If there is a, or if you need to report to start a sentence, you really should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and tell them that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if so, you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring required items with you, like your driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the sentencing order.

The inmate need to give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will go into the log as an approved visitor. All visitors must provide proof of identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Clay County Jail are always changing, so it would be wise to review the jail site before you visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are much more expensive than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you 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 and are disciplined, phone privileges might get cut back or forbidden completely.

The Clay County Jail phone number is: 605-677-7117

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent using the US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of mail or package delivery. You should write or type the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send a package, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and read by the jail officers, and will get returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Clay County Jail:

Clay County Jail
15 Washington Street
Vermillion, SD 57069

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Clay County Jail
15 Washington Street
Vermillion, SD 57069

The Clay County Jail inmate mail policy can change, so it would be best to review the official website before you send a letter.

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If you have been arrested, you still have rights, one of these being your right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure you get a friend or relative to find a lawyer when you talk to them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and show you the way through the criminal justice system. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your case, the better your chances.

For more information on this subject, read: Find an Attorney

If you can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to investigators, experts in forensics as well as social workers. All Public Defenders are licensed lawyers, admitted to the State Bar and are legally licensed to handle your case.

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

Clay County court records are a matter of public record. They are comprised of a case file with a docket sheet and all documents filed in the case. You are able to access court records via the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

The Clay County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages access to court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All court records related to your case are kept and available to you at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are all costs associated with your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Clay County court magistrate acts as the judge who presides on your case in court. Magistrates do different functions, which include deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information will be solicited from the defendant, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Bear in mind that you can request to have your own copy of the report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be locked up immediately, or you could receive a date to turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

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

This is pretty easy to do, simply you need to access the jail’s website, and search using:

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

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

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

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Clay County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or look online. An arrest is in the public record and these records are freely available.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, which can be a court order. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Clay County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted 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 offense. You are able to see these offenders online, but bear in mind that you won’t see the street address, just the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a court case file that includes a docket and any of the documents and filings filed in the case. You can access court records online, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of a person’s criminal past. These databases are linked together and you can track criminal histories from another state. Go to county courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

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

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, you generally will not discover if someone has had any infractions like moving violations:

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

To get this information, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you call the Clay County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments could help other people.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Clay County, the Clay County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Clay County Jail is no fun, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. Following breakfast participate in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 people in jail can change, so it would be best to visit the the Clay County Jail website when you send funds to an inmate 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 Clay County Jail

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

Apply for a Job at Clay County Jail

Requirements:

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


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Family Resources

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

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

Click here to tell 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.

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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 at this jail? Do you know someone there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Clay County Jail?

If your answer is yes, then please tell us about it. Tell us about your experience so that others can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in what you write:

• Conditions in Clay County Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Write a Review of Clay County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? How was day to day life at Clay County Jail? What about the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you need to find out how to get in touch with somebody you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to Clay County Jail


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