Fayette District Court: Criminal Arraignment Guide for...

Your Guide to Criminal Arraignment at Fayette District Court

If your loved one has been arrested in Lexington and is facing criminal charges, their first court appearance will be at Fayette District Court. This hearing — called an arraignment — is where bail is set and the case officially begins. Clark + Harris appears at Fayette District Court arraignments regularly, and this guide will prepare you for what lies ahead.

Fayette District Court Location

Fayette District Court is located within the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Complex at:

150 North Limestone Street
Lexington, KY 40507

This modern courthouse complex houses both the District Court and Circuit Court for Fayette County. Criminal arraignments are heard in the District Court division, typically on the lower floors.

Getting There and Parking

Driving: The courthouse is in downtown Lexington, easily accessible from Main Street, Vine Street, and New Circle Road
Parking: Limited metered street parking on Limestone Street and surrounding blocks. The Lexington Civic Center parking garage on High Street is within walking distance. Several other downtown parking options are available.
Arrive early: Parking can be tight during morning court hours. Plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the docket begins.

Security and Entering the Building

All visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the courthouse:

Walk through a metal detector
Bags and personal items are X-rayed
No weapons, pocket knives, pepper spray, or sharp objects
Cell phones are generally permitted but must be silenced in the courtroom

The Arraignment Process at Fayette District Court

Arraignment dockets at Fayette District Court typically begin at 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM Monday through Friday, with some weekend sessions. Here is what happens:

Docket call: The judge works through a list of cases. Defendants are called one by one.
Charges read: The judge reads the charges or confirms the defendant has received them
Counsel: The defendant states whether they have an attorney or need a public defender appointed
Bail arguments: The Commonwealth’s Attorney recommends bail; the defense argues for lower bail or release on recognizance
Bail set: The judge makes the bail decision and sets conditions of release
Next date: A future court date is scheduled
Plea: The defendant enters a plea (typically “not guilty” at this stage)

Having Clark + Harris at Arraignment

The bail decision at arraignment directly determines whether your loved one comes home or stays locked up at the Fayette County Detention Center. Having a Clark + Harris attorney present gives your family the best chance at a favorable bail outcome. We know the Fayette District Court judges, we know what arguments work, and we fight to get your loved one released on the most favorable terms possible.

When you call us, we can often be at the courthouse the very next morning.

Can Family Members Attend?

Yes — arraignments are open to the public. Sit in the gallery, dress respectfully, and do not talk while court is in session. Your presence demonstrates community support, which can positively influence the judge’s bail decision.

After Arraignment

Once bail is set, you can post bail at the Fayette County Detention Center at 600 Old Frankfort Circle, Lexington. Release processing takes 3 to 8 hours. Ensure your loved one understands all conditions of release and their next court date.

Call Clark + Harris right now at 859-474-0001. We answer 24/7. Lexington’s trusted criminal defense firm, also serving 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 District Court: Criminal Arraignment Guide for Lexington