Your Loved One Was Arrested in Lexington — Here’s Everything You Need to Know
If someone you care about has been arrested in Lexington or Fayette County, they are being held at the Fayette County Detention Center (FCDC). You are scared, confused, and probably don’t know where to start. Clark + Harris is a Lexington-based criminal defense firm, and we’ve helped hundreds of families through exactly this situation. This is the definitive guide to the Fayette County Detention Center.
Fayette County Detention Center Location and Contact
- Address: 600 Old Frankfort Circle, Lexington, KY 40510
- Phone: (859) 425-2612
- Website: Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Detention Center page
The FCDC is located off Old Frankfort Pike on the west side of Lexington, about 10 minutes from downtown. It is the sole county detention facility for Fayette County and houses individuals arrested by Lexington Police, University of Kentucky Police, and other law enforcement agencies operating within the county.
What Happens After an Arrest in Lexington
When someone is arrested in Fayette County, they are transported to FCDC for booking. The process follows these steps:
- Transport: The arresting officer takes the individual to the Fayette County Detention Center at 600 Old Frankfort Circle
- Booking: The arrestee is fingerprinted, photographed, and entered into the detention center’s computer system. Medical screening is also conducted. Booking typically takes 3 to 6 hours but can take longer on busy nights.
- Classification: Based on charges and criminal history, the inmate is assigned to a housing unit within the facility
- Arraignment: The defendant appears before a Fayette District Court judge, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Bail is set at this hearing.
Understanding Bail at FCDC
At arraignment, the Fayette District Court judge sets bail. Kentucky offers several bail options:
- Cash Bail: Pay the full bail amount in cash. Refundable (minus fees) when the case concludes if the defendant makes all court appearances.
- 10% Deposit Bond: Pay 10% of the bail amount to the court. This is Kentucky’s most popular option. On a $5,000 bail, you would pay $500. A portion is refundable.
- Surety Bond: A bail bondsman posts the full bond for a non-refundable fee (usually 10%).
- Own Recognizance: The judge releases the defendant without monetary bail, based on their ties to the community and the nature of the charges.
Posting Bail at FCDC
To post bail at the Fayette County Detention Center:
- Go to 600 Old Frankfort Circle, Lexington, KY 40510
- Bail can be posted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Bring valid photo ID, the defendant’s full legal name, and payment
- Accepted payment methods include cash, certified check, and money order (call ahead to confirm credit card availability)
How Long Does Release Take?
After bail is posted, release processing at FCDC typically takes 3 to 8 hours. On weekends and holidays, expect longer wait times. Your loved one will be released from the main entrance of the detention center.
Parking and Getting There
FCDC has a visitor parking lot at the facility. From downtown Lexington, take West Main Street to Old Frankfort Pike, then follow signs to Old Frankfort Circle. The facility is well-marked. Parking is free.
Contact Clark + Harris Immediately
If your loved one is in the Fayette County Detention Center, the most important thing you can do right now is hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Clark + Harris is located in Lexington and handles criminal cases in Fayette County and throughout Central Kentucky every single day. We know the FCDC staff, we know the Fayette County judges, and we know how to get results.
Call us right now at 859-474-0001. We answer 24/7, and our team can often appear at your loved one’s arraignment the very next morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?
As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.
Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?
Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.
What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?
We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.
Related Resources
If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful:
- Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC): Complete Guide for Families
- How to Bail Someone Out of LMDC in Louisville, Kentucky
- LMDC Visitation Rules, Hours, and What to Expect
- LMDC Inmate Search: How to Find Someone in Louisville Metro Corrections
- Jefferson County Arraignment Process: What Happens After an Arrest in Louisville