As custodian of records, what should clerks do regarding jail-time credit?

• A. Delete jail-time credits from the docket
• B. Postdate the docket until the defendant is released
• C. Record jail-time credit on the defendant's case file and in the docket
• D. Review jail-time credits only upon defendant's request

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that jail-time credits must be accurately reflected in official records. As custodian, clerks should record any time the defendant has already served toward their sentence in both the defendant’s case file and the docket, so that the credited time is counted toward the sentence and appears in the public record. This supports correct sentencing calculations, release planning, and avoids disputes over how much time has been served.

Deleting jail-time credits would misstate the defendant’s time served and compromise record integrity. Postdating the docket until release would hide the actual timeline and misrepresent when credits were earned. Reviewing jail-time credits only upon a defendant’s request could delay or miss automatic credits and would not keep records up to date or accurate.