Clay County Jail – Ashland, AL

Clay County Jail is located in Clay County, AL and is the primary correctional facility for that region. Looking for someone at Clay County Jail? This guide tells you all about everything a person needs to know about Clay County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And much, much more.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to give information and tips that you’ll need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have a question, feel free to ask it, and any tips or comments that could be beneficial to others will be appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Do you know a family member or friend that has been arrested and you want to find them?

To see who is in jail at Clay County Jail you will have to go to their web site and do an inmate search.

The Clay County Jail Inmate Lookup has information on people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. You can find information about anybody processed or discharged in the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to locate their inmate information quicker if you have their full name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for is in another county jail you should check the other Alabama county jails in our Alabama County Jail Guide: Alabama County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photograph, is a picture taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one full face and a side-view photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be on the mugshot, and they are on file.

Mugshots of inmates can be seen on the Clay County Jail website, or you can view them at the Clay County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will have to put in the prisoner’s full name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Are you trying to have your mugshot erased from the Clay County Jail site? This is difficult, since your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Of course, if you’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about getting out. After booking, your bail amount will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can 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 agree to be there for your court date, and until that date you won’t be permitted to leave town.

Usually, an inmate will earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while they are in jail.

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 every day when you’re finished at your job, or you might have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone you know will need to pay to the courts ten percent of the total that was determined in order to be released from jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will not get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Clay County Jail site.

Having to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, its really easy. First of all, figure out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you won’t be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Cash only – they won’t accept checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually have a minimum fee of $100. This is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will in these cases use assets as collateral.

You can find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out.

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In Alabama bail amounts are predetermined by the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the magistrate or judge has the final word on you bail amount. The bail schedule contains all of the crimes defined by state law and the specific amount of bail for each crime.

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

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The jail intake process 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.
• The first step is that you will answer some simple questions, like your full legal name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will then be allowed to use the phone so you can talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might get to wear your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Do you have any tips that could help others make it through jail intake?

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When you post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail may take anywhere between 15 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the faster you will get out of jail. Also, it will depend on if you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge has to figure out how much your bail will be. For a minor offense, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and are given a discharge date, expect to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer 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 they verify that you have one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Be sure to only bring approved items when you go, such as a driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a official sentencing order.

The inmate must provide the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitors will be put in a log of approved visitors as an authorized visitor. Each and every visitor must provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that gets to visitation or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures change often, so make sure that you visit the official Clay County Jail jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made at home. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules, phone calls might get reduced or cut altogether.

The Clay County Jail phone number is: (256) 354-2176

All inmate mail is required to be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. Clearly print the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter. Do not send anything in a box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail will be opened and read by the staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

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

Clay County Jail
41771 Highway 77
Ashland, AL 36251

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Clay County Jail
41771 Highway 77
Ashland, AL 36251

The Clay County Jail inmate mail policy can change, so be sure to review the the Clay County Jail website before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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When you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, the most important of which is your right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to have a friend or family member find a lawyer for you. You might be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, an attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate the legal system in your county. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your case, the better your chances.

To read more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read our guide: How to Find a Lawyer in Clay County

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are members of the Alabama State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? How did they do?

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They have a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents that have been filed. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case with the Clay County website, or at the Clay County Clerk of Court.

The Clay County Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and read the jury’s verdict. All records associated with your court case are kept at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the costs from your court case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge that presides over your case in court. They do different functions, like setting bail, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed with the defendant’s 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 collected from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and in some cases the victim of the crime. Keep in mind you can request to get your own copy of this report prior to sentencing, so you get the chance to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service to probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could receive a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

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Want to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

To do this, you need to visit the Clay County jail website, and search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants on the Clay County jail website or you are able to call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and their arrest date, contact the Clay County jail, on the phone, in person, or find out online. Arrest records are in the public record and these records are accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see this information on the website, but you should know that you can’t see the exact address, but rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a case file that contains a docket and any documents filed in the case. You are able to access court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Clay County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of a person’s criminal background. These state databases are all connected so you can track criminal histories from another state. You are able to go to county courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, usually will not learn if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for this kind of information, you must do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the Clay County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments might help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

The FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Clay County, the Clay County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Clay County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in Clay County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon get used to the daily routine there. Inmates get a wake-up alarm at about 6:00am, and then roll call. Next, 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 Clay County Jail inmates is always changing, so be sure to visit the official Clay County Jail site when send funds to someone in jail there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at 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.

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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 incarcerated at Clay County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at this jail?

If so, then we would like you to write a review about it. Write about your jail experience because others will know what to expect.

Things you might want to include in your comment:

• Conditions in Clay County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you get arrested? How did the guards treat you? How was day to day life at Clay County Jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Need to find a friend from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to people still locked up at Clay County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Alabama Bail Schedule

Clay County Jail Visitation
Clay County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Clay County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Clay County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Clay County Jail Arrests
Clay County Jail Send Money Procedure
Clay County Jail Employment


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