Clark County Jail

Q: Does Clark County have bail?

Does Clark County have bail? Yes, Clark County recognizes most types of bonds. In South Dakota, it is up to the defendant to bear the burden of proof as to why they will not, or do not have the ability to flee prosecution. Bail is usually established in cases where a felony or Class I misdemeanor has occurred. People arrested on Class II misdemeanors are usually released on recognizance meaning that if the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee, they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.

Q: What kind of bonds are accepted in Clark County?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Clark County? In Clark County, once bail is set a defendant must pay the required amount of bail set by the court to be released from temporary holding (typically the county jail). If the person cannot afford the amount of bail required by the court, they must seek a bond from a licensed bondsperson to cover the amount. The bondsperson will charge 10% and can offer a surety or property bond.

Q: Who can set bail in Clark County?

Who can set bail in Clark County? The magistrate judge is given the ability to consider various factors in determining bail. Judges in South Dakota rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range. Typically, some of the biggest factors considered are the nature of the offense, the amount of credible evidence against the defendant, the defendant’s criminal history, their location, their income, and their ability to afford to attempt to escape prosecution. The South Dakota Courts can set conditions for the release of a defendant on bail. These conditions can include many factors such as not leaving a certain area, not consuming drugs or alcohol, not hanging out with certain people, and receiving mental health counseling. If these conditions are not met the person will be taken back into custody.

Q: When is bail set in Clark County South Dakota?

When is bail set in Clark County South Dakota? Bail for minor, non-violent offense are set via a phone call with the on duty judge between 8:00 am – 9:00 pm. If the arrest occurs after 9:00 pm you will need to wait until 8:00 am the next day. More serious offenses require a hearing in front of a judge, which will be scheduled according to the court calendar. This will generally occur the next day, not including weekends or holidays.

Q: How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail?

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail? To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 605-882-6284. There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status. Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours. If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online. Clark County Jail Booking Roster

Q: What happens during booking in Clark County?

What happens during booking in Clark County? After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Clark County for booking. Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

Q: What is the booking process like at the Clark County Jail?

What is the booking process like at the Clark County Jail? Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Clark County and other South Dakota and USA jurisdictions. If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse. It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

Q: What kind of questions are asked during booking?

What kind of questions are asked during booking? The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs. What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking? During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member. Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed. If the offender remains in jail for any length of time, the Clark County Jail will allow a friend or family member to pick up the inmate's property if the offender gives written authorization for a named person to do so. To find out the days and times for picking up an inmate's property, and what you will need to bring to verify your identity, call the jail at 605-882-6284 during business hours.

Q: How long does the Clark County Jail booking process take?

How long does the Clark County Jail booking process take? Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender. If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable. What happens after an offender is booked into the Clark County Jail? At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release. If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Clark County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel. Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

Question 1

How Do You Find Someone in the Clark County Jail?

Answer

To search for an inmate in the Clark County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 605-882-6284 for the information you are looking for.

Clark County Jail Inmate Search

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about finding an inmate in the Clark County Jail, how the jail rosters work and what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.

The Clark County Jail maintains an average of offenders in custody on any given day. The Clark County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Clark County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 1,920 offenders.

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Question 2

About the Clark County Jail

Answer

There is no jail services provided within the town itself, and all local arrests are quickly transferred to another space in Codington County or the city jail. The county is under 1000 square miles and has a population of just over 3,600 people. A small holding cell allows for the booking of new arrests or holding those who have a court date for the day of their hearing or trial. The office is located within the courthouse and can be contacted during regular business hours at 605-532-3822. Mail and phone calls for inmates are not received at this location, and there is no visiting hours available.

Coddington County Jail: 605-882-6284
Clark County Sheriff: 605-532-3822

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Question 3

Recent Bookings & Arrests

Answer

Booking process details at Clark County Jail

When someone is arrested, they are taken to Clark County Jail for booking. This process involves verifying identity, assessing charges, and determining whether the person will be released on bail or detained.

It's crucial to remain silent during this process, as any statements could be used in court. Legal counsel should be consulted before making any comments about the arrest.

The booking process at Clark County Jail typically involves the following steps:

Identifying the individual.
Taking a mugshot.
Health assessments and questions about criminal background.
DNA collection if applicable.
Conducting a full-body search.
Confiscating personal property.
Allowing a phone call.

Booking times can range from one hour to 48 hours. For details on posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 605-882-6284.

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Question 4

Directions / Map to the Clark County Jail

Answer

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Question 5

Inmate Bail and Bonding

Answer

How to post bail for a loved one in Clark County

Once booked at Clark County Jail in Watertown, the individual has several possible outcomes:

1. Release without posting bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Remaining in custody until their court date.
3. Posting bail or bond for release. For the exact amount, call 605-882-6284.

Several payment methods are available for bail.

Bail can be paid in cash, by credit card, or with a money order.
Licensed bail bondsmen in Clark County can assist with the process.
Property within the county can also be used to pay bail.

For more details on the bail process in Clark County, South Dakota, visit the Clark County Jail Bail Information Page.

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Question 6

Inmate Visitation

Answer

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Clark County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Clark County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

c/o Codington County Detention Center
14 1st Avenue SE
Watertown, SD 57201
605-882-6284

Visits are 30 minutes.
You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 605-882-6284 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 605-882-6284 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY	TIMES
SUNDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.

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Question 7

Remote Video Visitation

Answer

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Clark County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.

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Question 8

Inmate Money Accounts

Answer

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Clark County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.

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Question 9

Inmate Phone Contact

Answer

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Clark County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.

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Question 10

Mailing an Inmate

Answer

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Clark County Jail, and what can I send them?

Clark County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Clark County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Clark County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Codington County Detention Center
14 1st Avenue SE
Watertown, SD 57201

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #

Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Clark County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Clark County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.

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Question 11

Inmate Commissary

Answer

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Clark County Jail, and what can I purchase?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.

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Question 12

Texting and Emailing an Inmate

Answer

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Clark County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.

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Question 13

Inmate Tablets

Answer

Do Inmates in the Clark County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Clark County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-882-6284 for further assistance.

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Question 14

Are there photos of the Clark County Jail? What does it look like?

Answer

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Question 15

Other Jails in Clark County

Answer

What are the other City and County Jails in Clark County?

Clark County County Jails

Clark County Jail Codington County Detention Center

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Question 16

Other Jails Nearby

Answer

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Clark County?

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Clark County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Clark County

Clark County Jail Information

Booking process details at Clark County Jail

How to post bail for a loved one in Clark County

Clark County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

Clark County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Search for an Inmate in Clark County

Clark County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Clark County

Clark County Jail Information

Booking process details at Clark County Jail

How to post bail for a loved one in Clark County

Clark County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

Clark County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Search for an Inmate in Clark County

Inmate SearchClark County & City of Watertown

Inmate SearchState of South Dakota and Federal Lockups

Clark County JailContact Information