Why 25% of Your Deposit Might Go to Jail Fees (and What Happens at Release)
When you put money on someone's account at McCracken County Jail, part of it may get pulled right away to cover what they already owe. Here's how the 25% deduction works, what some common fees look like, and what happens to any leftover balance at release.
At McCracken County Jail, 25% of any deposit can be applied toward fees the inmate already owes. So if you're adding money for commissary, not all of it may be available - the jail takes that quarter share first to chip away at the outstanding balance.
Common Fees
- ✓ Bond fee: $5
- ✓ Booking fee: $30
- ✓ County inmate fee: $20
Getting released doesn't mean the account balance automatically gets handed back. At McCracken County Jail, any money left on an inmate's account at release goes toward fees owed first. If there's still a balance due, those funds pay it down before anything else.
If someone leaves still owing money, the jail may have them sign a billing agreement. Unpaid debt can lead to civil or contempt action. If your loved one is close to release, treat any remaining fees as something that can follow them out the door.
- Ask whether there’s an outstanding balance - if the inmate owes the jail money, 25% of any deposit can be applied to those fees.
- Deposit with the deduction in mind - if you’re aiming for a specific commissary amount, remember the deposit may be reduced if fees are owed.
- Plan for release-day accounting - any money left on the account at release will be applied to fees owed, so don’t assume the remaining balance will be available to them afterward.
Note: Want to avoid surprises? Confirm the inmate's account status before you deposit. The jail doesn't offer an online balance-check tool - calling ahead is usually the quickest way to get answers.
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