Fayette County Detention Center Phone and Video Visi...

How to Communicate with an Inmate at FCDC

When your loved one is in the Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington, staying connected is essential for their mental health and yours. FCDC offers several communication options, and this guide from Clark + Harris explains each one so you can stay in touch.

Phone Calls from FCDC

Inmates at the Fayette County Detention Center can make phone calls to approved numbers. Here’s what you need to know:

Prepaid or collect calls: You must set up an account with the detention center’s contracted phone service provider to receive calls
Phone provider: FCDC contracts with a specific telecommunications company. Check the FCDC website or call (859) 425-2612 for current provider details.
Setting up an account: Create an account online or by phone with the provider, add funds, and register the phone number your loved one will be calling
Call times: Phone access is available during designated hours, typically during the day and early evening. Exact times depend on the housing unit.
Call duration: Calls are usually limited to 15 to 20 minutes
Cost: Jail calls are expensive — often $0.15 to $0.25 per minute or more, plus connection fees. Adding larger amounts of funds at once may reduce per-call costs.

Critical Warning: All Calls Are Recorded

Every phone call from FCDC is monitored and recorded. The only exception is calls with an attorney (attorney-client privilege). Do not — under any circumstances — discuss the details of the criminal case on the phone. Prosecutors routinely request and use jail phone recordings as evidence. If your loved one says something incriminating on a recorded call, it can be devastating to their defense.

Save all case discussions for confidential meetings with their attorney from Clark + Harris.

Video Visitation

FCDC offers video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. This is a convenient option for families who live outside Lexington or have scheduling constraints:

Schedule in advance: Video visits must be booked through the approved provider’s website or app
Fees: Each video visit typically costs between $5 and $15, depending on the duration
Requirements: You need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection
Duration: Video visits usually last 15 to 30 minutes
Recorded: Like phone calls, video visits are monitored and recorded. Do not discuss case details.

Electronic Messaging

FCDC also offers electronic messaging through its contracted provider. This works like email:

Create an account with the approved provider
Send and receive text-based messages for a per-message fee
Messages may be reviewed by detention center staff before delivery
Photos may be sent as attachments (subject to content review)
Do not discuss case details in messages — they are not private

Traditional Mail

You can send letters to your loved one at FCDC. Address mail to:

[Inmate Full Legal Name, Booking Number]
Fayette County Detention Center
600 Old Frankfort Circle
Lexington, KY 40510

All mail is opened and inspected before delivery
Use plain white paper and a standard white envelope
No stickers, glitter, tape, or decorations
No cash, stamps, or contraband
Photographs may be allowed but must meet facility guidelines

Adding Money to Commissary

You can add money to your loved one’s commissary account so they can purchase snacks, hygiene items, stationery, and additional phone time. Deposits can typically be made:

Online through the facility’s deposit provider
By phone through the deposit provider
In person at FCDC using the lobby kiosk

Clark + Harris: Confidential Legal Communication

While everyday communication with your loved one is important, the most critical communication is between the defendant and their attorney. Clark + Harris provides confidential, attorney-client privileged consultations — the one form of communication that is truly private in the jail setting.

If your family member is in FCDC, call Clark + Harris at 859-474-0001 right now. We’ll arrange a confidential attorney visit and begin building their defense. We answer 24/7 and serve Lexington, Louisville, and all of Kentucky.

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:

Fayette County Detention Center Phone and Video Visitation Guide