Staying Connected When Your Loved One Is in LMDC

When someone you love is sitting in the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, communication becomes a lifeline. Hearing their voice — or even just getting a message — can make an impossible situation slightly more bearable. Clark + Harris understands how important this connection is, and this guide explains every option for communicating with an inmate at LMDC.

Phone Calls from LMDC

Inmates at LMDC can make outgoing phone calls, but there are important things you need to know:

Calls are collect or prepaid: Inmates cannot make free calls. You will need to set up an account with the facility’s approved phone service provider to receive calls or allow prepaid calls.
Phone service provider: LMDC contracts with specific telecommunications companies for inmate calling services. You will need to create an account and add funds to receive calls. Check the LMDC website or call (502) 574-2172 for the current provider information.
Call times: Phone access is generally available during specific hours, usually during the day and early evening. Exact times vary by housing unit.
Call duration: Most calls are limited to 15 to 20 minutes. Calls may be cut off when the time limit is reached.
All calls are recorded: This is critically important. Every phone call from LMDC (except calls with an attorney) is monitored and recorded. Do not discuss the details of the criminal case on the phone. Anything your loved one says can be used against them in court.

How to Set Up a Phone Account

To receive calls from an inmate at LMDC, follow these steps:

Contact the current phone service provider (check the LMDC website for the most up-to-date company)
Create an account using your name, phone number, and payment information
Add funds to your account to cover the cost of calls
Share your phone number with the inmate — they will need to dial it from the facility phones

Calls from jail are expensive. Rates can range from $0.15 to $0.25 per minute or more, and there may be connection fees for each call. Adding funds in larger increments can sometimes reduce per-call fees.

Video Visitation

LMDC offers video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. Video visits are conducted through a contracted service provider and can be done from your home computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here’s what you need to know:

Scheduling required: Video visits must be scheduled in advance through the provider’s website or app
Fees apply: Video visits typically cost between $5 and $15 per session, depending on the duration
Technical requirements: You need a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone
Duration: Video visits are usually 15 to 30 minutes long

Email and Messaging

Many Kentucky jail facilities, including LMDC, now offer electronic messaging services through contracted providers. These work similarly to email:

Create an account with the approved messaging provider
Send and receive messages for a small fee per message
Messages may be reviewed by facility staff before delivery
Never discuss case details in electronic messages — these are also monitored and can be used as evidence

Sending Mail to LMDC

You can send traditional mail to an inmate at LMDC. Address it to:

[Inmate Full Legal Name, Booking Number]
Louisville Metro Department of Corrections
600 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202

All mail is opened and inspected by staff before delivery
Do not include cash, checks, stamps, or contraband
Photographs may be allowed but cannot be Polaroids or contain any inappropriate content
Letters must be on plain white paper with no stickers, glitter, or decorations

Sending Money to an Inmate

To add money to an inmate’s commissary account, you can typically use the facility’s contracted deposit service (available online or by phone) or make a deposit in person at LMDC. Commissary funds allow the inmate to purchase snacks, hygiene products, and phone time.

Critical Reminder: Do NOT Discuss the Case

We cannot stress this enough: do not discuss any details of the criminal case over the phone, via video visit, or through electronic messages. All of these communications are monitored and recorded by LMDC. Prosecutors can and do use jail communications as evidence. If your loved one needs to discuss their case, they should speak only with their attorney.

The criminal defense attorneys at Clark + Harris provide confidential, attorney-client privileged consultations. If your loved one is in LMDC and needs legal help, call us at 859-474-0001. We serve families in Louisville, Lexington, and throughout Central Kentucky.

Related Resources

If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful:

LMDC Phone Calls and Communication: How to Stay in Touch with an Inmate