Clay County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Clay County Bail and Pretrial Release
Manchester has both the jail and the courthouse for Clay County, so bail and release are handled in one town: new arrests are booked at the Clay County Detention Center, 67 Shamrock Road, Manchester, KY 40962 (606-598-2133), and bond money is paid to the clerk at the Clay County Justice Center, 316 Main St., Suite 108, Manchester, KY 40962. The 41st Judicial Circuit covers Clay, Jackson and Leslie counties.
Who can tell me what bail was set in Manchester?
Jail staff at 606-598-2133 can say whether a bond exists and how much it is. The inmate roster may show it too. Keep the full name and birth date handy. If nothing is set yet, the judge is likely waiting on the pretrial report, so check back later that day.
↑ Back to the question listWhere do I take the money for a Clay bond?
Bring it to Suite 108 of the Clay County Justice Center, 316 Main St., Suite 108, Manchester, KY 40962, home of the circuit clerk. The clerk's line is 606-598-3663. Payment by cash, check or money order works at the window, while ePay handles many court costs online. A government ID is required. Hold on to the receipt; it is proof the bond was posted.
↑ Back to the question listDoes Clay County have bail bondsmen?
No. Manchester families post bond themselves at the clerk's window in Suite 108 (606-598-3663), since Kentucky outlawed for-profit bail (KRS 431.510). That means no nonrefundable fee to a company. Most of a cash deposit is returned at the end if the defendant keeps every court date.
↑ Back to the question listWhat is the pretrial interview?
Soon after booking on Shamrock Road (606-598-2133), a pretrial officer talks with the defendant about work, home and past cases, then scores the risk (KRS 431.515). The judge uses that score in deciding release. Many low-risk people go home on a promise to return (KRS 431.066). Some small offenses are handled with a citation.
↑ Back to the question listWhat kinds of bail are possible in Clay County?
A Clay District or Circuit judge in Manchester chooses the type, and the clerk at 606-598-3663 can read it off the order. Judges can use own recognizance, unsecured bail, a 10 percent cash deposit (KRS 431.530), the whole amount in cash, or property with equity worth twice the bond (KRS 431.535). A friend or relative can sign as a surety without pay if the court allows (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listHow does the law keep Manchester bail fair?
A Manchester judge sets each bond, and the jail at 606-598-2133 can quote the figure once it is entered. The bond must fit what the defendant can pay (KRS 431.525), and jail is discouraged for a simple violation (KRS 431.062). Misdemeanor bail without violence stays within the maximum fine plus costs. Many Class D felonies have a uniform figure (KRS 431.540). Domestic and sex offense cases add victim protections (KRS 431.064). A day in custody is credited at $100 (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listHow do refunds work at the Clay clerk's office?
If every hearing is kept, the money is returned at the end minus a 10 percent fee, at least $5. Should the charges be thrown out or the jury acquit, the clerk keeps nothing. The judge may direct part of it toward what is owed on the case. Call 606-598-3663 with questions.
↑ Back to the question listWhat can go wrong after release?
A Manchester judge can tell a defendant to avoid certain people, stay off alcohol, take drug tests, wear GPS or check in by phone. A violation or a skipped hearing invites a warrant, and forfeiture is possible once notice has gone out and 20 days pass (KRS 431.545). If a condition is unworkable, talk to your lawyer about a motion.
↑ Back to the question listWhich attorneys are involved in Clay bail matters?
The Clay County Attorney (Bishop Building, 102 Walters Street, Suite 2, Manchester, KY 40962 (606-598-5917)) argues misdemeanor and early felony bail. The 41st Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney (112 1/2 Court Street, Manchester, KY 40962 (606-598-2040)) handles indicted felonies. A defendant without money gets help from the London Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (217 S. Main St., Suite 201, London, KY 40741; 833-205-0826). Our court guide walks through the process.
↑ Back to the question listWhat if the person also has a federal case or an ICE hold?
State bail doesn't cover those. Federal charges go to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, 310 South Main Street, London, KY 40741, 606-877-7910 in London, where only a federal judge decides release. Immigration officers may also file a request to hold a person for 48 hours beyond state release, a period that runs through Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Call 606-598-2133, then check the ICE locator site or BOP inmate finder.
↑ Back to the question listClay County Detention Center
Address:
67 Shamrock Road
Manchester, KY 40962
Phone:
606-598-2133
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Clay County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Clay County?
Who can set bail in Clay County?
When is bail set in Clay County Kentucky?
Does Clay County have bail?
Yes, Section 16 the Kentucky Constitution guarantees the right to bail for all but capital crimes. However, Kentucky does not permit bond companies to operate within the state. Any bonds would be gotten through the Clay County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Clay County?
Kentucky offers several options when it comes to paying bail including release on own recognizance, cash bail, percentage bond, property bond, surety bond or unsecured bond.
Who can set bail in Clay County?
Pretrial officers are mandated to conduct an interview and assessment within 12 hours of arrest on individuals arrested on bailable offenses. If a defendant does not qualify for administrative release, pretrial officers then present the findings to a judge, who makes the decision about pretrial release.
When is bail set in Clay County Kentucky?
Bail is set either the day of the arrest or by a judge at the arraignment, which is when the defendant will also enter a plea. In most cases the arraignment will occur the morning following arrest.
What is Bail?
Bail is money paid that is held by the Clay County or municipal court to make sure that the arrested does not flee the area before their trial. Bail amounts and other conditions are determined at the arraignment.
The State of Kentucky has banned commercial bail by a bail bond company.
Pretrial officers are mandated to conduct an interview and assessment within 12 hours of arrest on individuals arrested on bailable offenses. If a defendant does not qualify for administrative release, pretrial officers then present the findings to a judge, who makes the decision about pretrial release.
It is always important to have family involvement after being arrested. Not only can they make calls and communicate on your behalf, but family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court, not only for the defendant’s own good, but because they may have signed bond paperwork and responsible to pay if the defendant does not show in court.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. There are no bond companies in Kentucky.)
If the pretrial officer and judge determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Clay County Detention Center until the case is resolved or goes to trial. Bail can also be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different. The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
What are the different types of bonds in Clay County?
Based on a review of information from the pretrial officer, the judge will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
These are the bonds that the Clerk of Court can process in Kentucky:
For minor offenses, the defendant, friend, or family can pay the full amount of bail.
A personal recognizance bond is where the defendant or someone representing the defendant signs paperwork which only requires a signature and promise from the defendant to return to court. If the defendant does not return to court, a warrant for arrest and detention can follow.
An unsecured release requires the defendant’s signature and conditions to be met. If the defendant does not return to court, the bail amount would need to be paid.
Cash percentage bond. If the bond order permits, the defendant pays 10% to the court, which then holds the money until the case is over. 10% of the 10% paid remains with the court and in most cases, there are court fees or fines due in addition, so if the defendant returns to all court hearings, 90% of the money paid to the court will be returned but additional fines and fees might be owed.
Third-party surety release requires another person called a surety to sign with the defendant. The other person would need to put up property or partial money. Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted). Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 2 times the amount of the bond. There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back, although the court generally does not start the process to acquire the deed unless the defendant does not show to a court appearance.
Does Clay County Kentucky have bail?
Yes, Section 16 the Kentucky Constitution guarantees the right to bail for all but capital crimes. However, Kentucky does not permit bond companies to operate within the state. Any bonds would be gotten through the Clay County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Clay County?
Kentucky offers several options when it comes to paying bail including release on own recognizance, cash bail, percentage bond, property bond, surety bond or unsecured bond.
Who can set bail in Clay County?
Pretrial officers are mandated to conduct an interview and assessment within 12 hours of arrest on individuals arrested on bailable offenses. If a defendant does not qualify for administrative release, pretrial officers then present the findings to a judge, who makes the decision about pretrial release.
When is bail set in Kentucky?
Bail is set either the day of the arrest or by a judge at the arraignment, which is when the defendant will also enter a plea. In most cases the arraignment will occur the morning following arrest.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Clay County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Clay County Kentucky, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back. A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant.
Can bail be paid online in Clay County Kentucky?
Kentucky does not have an online bail payment system; however, you can add funds to an inmate’s spending account which can then be used to post bail. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Clay County Detention Center for contact information about the jails in Clay County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Clay County Kentucky?
Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted: Go to the Clay County Detention Center for more information about the jails in Clay County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Kentucky?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. Not all money is returned due to bond percentages and court fees.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Clay County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Kentucky?
Kentucky does not allow bond companies to operate in the state. The bond is acquired through the courts. A cash bond or a personal recognizance bond does not require money down.