Call us first
The first call is free. We can ask to speak with the person at the jail.
The first few hours
One call can make the rest of the night clearer.
There is no need to explain every detail before you call. Start with where they are, what you know, and a phone number where we can reach you.
Call (859) 555-0142
A practical order of operations
What to do now
Do not talk about what happened
Do not discuss the case with police, people in the cell, or on the jail phone. Every call out of the Fayette County Detention Center is recorded except calls to a lawyer.
Get the booking details
Find out where they are held and what the charge is. Write down the booking number.
Understand the bond
Most people are interviewed by Pretrial Services and a judge sets bond, usually within 24 hours. Kentucky does not allow bail bond companies, so bond is paid directly to the circuit clerk. We will explain what the amount means and where to pay it.
Write everything down tonight
Note the time of the stop, what was said, whether a breath or blood test was offered, names of anyone who saw it, and whether there was a dash or body camera.
Prepare for the arraignment
The first court date, the arraignment in District Court, is usually within a few days. In many cases we can appear for you.
Raise the license issue right away
For a DUI, bring up your driver’s license with us immediately. If a test was refused, the judge can suspend it at arraignment. We can discuss an ignition interlock license so you can keep driving to work.