Gilchrist County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Gilchrist County bail and bond: the Trenton jail and what happens next
People arrested in Gilchrist County are booked at the Gilchrist County Jail, 9239 South US Highway 129, Trenton, next to the Sheriff's Office. For custody, charges, and the bail amount, check Gilchrist County Inmate Search. Phone the Gilchrist jail at 352-463-3490 only for what the search can't tell you. The city of Trenton has no jail of its own, so city arrests end up at the same place.
Did the deputies bring my relative to Trenton?
Search the name on Gilchrist County Inmate Search. The Sheriff's Office says the jail on US Highway 129 is the booking and intake site for every agency in the county, including city and state agencies. Gilchrist may need a short time to post a new booking.
If the name stays blank for several hours, call the jail at 352-463-3490 and ask whether the person is still being processed or was taken elsewhere.
Who is held in this jail, and for how long?
The Sheriff's Office lists four groups: people held without bond, people who cannot post the bail a court set, people moved from other places to wait for trial in Gilchrist County, and people sentenced to less than a year. Men, women, and juveniles adjudicated as adults can all be held.
A person with a longer sentence serves it somewhere else. Ask the jail at 352-463-3490 if you are unsure which category applies.
What time is first appearance at the Trenton courthouse?
The Eighth Circuit lists Gilchrist County first appearances at 8:30 a.m. at the courthouse, 112 South Main Street, Trenton. Anyone processed at least three hours earlier goes on that day's list unless bond has been posted. The judge may appear by video link with the jail.
State law sets the outer limit: 24 hours from arrest, under Rule 3.130 of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. Gilchrist's clerk at 352-463-3170 knows which courtroom is in use.
What is the bail for a basic charge?
The Eighth Circuit's list of active orders shows no separate bond schedule of its own, so the Florida Supreme Court's statewide schedule for 2026 is the place to start. Gilchrist examples: third-degree felony with force or threat, $5,000; without force, $2,500; first-degree misdemeanor with force, $1,000; without force, $500; second-degree misdemeanor with force, $250; without force, $150.
Gilchrist DUI amounts on the statewide list: $1,000 for a first-degree misdemeanor, $750 for a second offense filed as a second-degree misdemeanor, and $500 for a first offense. The judge can pick a different number. The schedule runs only through December 31, 2026.
Can anyone change the amount on the record?
A judge can. State law says the schedule doesn't bind a Gilchrist first appearance judge, and the jail follows the court's order. A Gilchrist judge weighs the charge, evidence, family and job ties, past missed dates, and danger under section 903.046.
Later, a Gilchrist lawyer can seek another amount. Bring proof of a job, a local address, and who will make sure the person comes to court.
Where do I pay in Gilchrist, and what does the jail accept?
The Sheriff's Office pages for the jail do not describe a bond window, its hours, or accepted payment types, so call 352-463-3490 before you travel to 9239 South US Highway 129. Find out if Gilchrist takes cash bonds at the jail window or the Clerk of Court, 352-463-3170, which payments work, and when the window closes.
The jail says it does not accept checks or money orders for inmate accounts. That rule is about commissary and phone money, not bail, but it is a reason to ask before sending any check.
What should a bondsman near Trenton be showing me?
The Florida Department of Financial Services sets a Gilchrist state bond premium at 10 percent of court-set bail. On a $1,000 bail, that is $100. Gilchrist agents must also charge the exact rate on file with the state under section 648.33.
You pay that premium for good: once your relative walks out, it is earned. If the person never gets released, the money must come back. In Gilchrist, get collateral terms and any other charges on paper before signing, and look up the agent's license number yourself.
Is a property bond possible in Gilchrist County?
It may be. Rules on where the land sits, the equity counted, and who signs are local, so ask the Gilchrist Clerk of Court at 352-463-3170, 112 South Main Street, before gathering papers.
Expect days, not hours. A bail agent is the quicker route if cash is short.
Why does the jail record say the person cannot get out yet?
Some people must wait for a judge. In Gilchrist, Florida Statutes 903.011(6) blocks release before first appearance for a felony arrest during pretrial release, probation, or community control, three or more arrests in six months, and some serious felonies.
Article I, section 14 of the Florida Constitution lets Gilchrist judges deny release on capital or life counts with strong proof, or when no terms would protect others and assure a return to court. Ask the jail which rule applies.
Who defends people in Gilchrist County who cannot pay?
The Eighth Circuit Public Defender's Bronson office handles Gilchrist and Levy Counties, 352-486-5350. The main office is at 151 SW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, 352-338-7370. Raise it at first appearance if you need an appointed lawyer.
The circuit's first appearance order adds that if a person is in the hospital and cannot be brought to court, the judge appoints the public defender regardless of income.
Where would a teenager from Gilchrist County be detained?
Alachua Regional Juvenile Detention Center, 3440 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609, 352-955-2105, lists Gilchrist among the counties it serves. The Department of Juvenile Justice screens Gilchrist youth at that same address.
Visits are posted for Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and for Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. Holidays can change them. Gilchrist's adult search won't show a child.
If a defendant skips the Trenton hearing, how much time is there to act?
After the judge forfeits the bond, the clerk mails notice within five days. The forfeited sum is due 60 days after that notice, unless the judge discharges the forfeiture (section 903.26). Call the defense lawyer and the agent immediately.
A new offense or a broken condition can end release altogether under section 903.0471.
Does a family member who paid cash bail see it again?
In Gilchrist, usually yes, after the case ends, less court-ordered fines, costs, or fees. An agent's fee is gone for good after release, and collateral given to an agent should be returned within 21 days after the court discharges the bond, per the Department of Financial Services. Save receipts and ask the clerk at 352-463-3170 for the refund process.
Money loaded onto a jail account at the lobby kiosk is a different thing and has nothing to do with bail.
Which requests for money should I ignore?
Gift cards, crypto, and instant transfers. A real office does not ask for them. Reach the jail at 352-463-3490 or the Sheriff's Office at 352-440-7361 using the numbers on this page.
Can ICE keep someone in the Gilchrist jail after bond is posted?
- An ICE detainer (Form I-247A) asks the Gilchrist jail to hold someone longer.
- That extra hold in Gilchrist lasts up to 48 hours.
- In Gilchrist, weekends and holidays count toward those 48 hours.
- Posting bond in Gilchrist does not end an ICE hold.
- Under F.S. 908.105, the Gilchrist judge setting bond must hear about it.
- The Gilchrist state attorney gets notice as well.
- Florida law (F.S. 908.11) puts the Gilchrist sheriff in the 287(g) program.
- For Gilchrist, ICE's 287(g) list shows:
- Task Force Model
- Warrant Service Officer
- After ICE takes a Gilchrist inmate, use the online detainee locator.
Gilchrist County bail contacts
- County jail
- Gilchrist County Jail, 9239 South US Highway 129, Trenton, FL 32693; 352-463-3490
- Bond guide
- bail bond instructions for this jail
- Custody lookup
- Gilchrist County Inmate Search
- Sheriff
- 9239 South US Highway 129, Trenton, FL 32693; 352-440-7361
- Clerk and courthouse
- Clerk of the Circuit Court 112 South Main Street, Trenton, FL 32693; 352-463-3170
- Public defender
- Bronson office (Gilchrist and Levy), 352-486-5350; main office, 151 SW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601, 352-338-7370
- Juvenile detention
- Alachua Regional Juvenile Detention Center, 3440 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609; 352-955-2105
- Bail agents
- Florida Department of Financial Services licenses and regulates bail bond agents; the premium on a state bond is 10 percent of bail
Gilchrist amounts, hours, payments, and phones shift, and judges may rule otherwise. Call the jail or Clerk of Court first, then send funds. This Gilchrist guide is general information and no substitute for a lawyer.
Gilchrist County Jail
Address:
9239 S US Hwy 129
Trenton, FL 32693
Phone:
352-463-3490
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Gilchrist County
Does Gilchrist County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Gilchrist County?
Who can set bail in Gilchrist County?
When is bail set in Gilchrist County Florida?
Does Gilchrist County have bail?
Yes, Gilchrist County has bail and recognizes most types of bonds.
As of January 1, 2024, Florida moved to a statewide uniform bond schedule. The uniform bond schedule may change every year. The Gilchrist County Jail will let you know the amount of the bond.
Under most circumstances your bond amount is set during the booking process, and you are eligible to bond out prior to going to court. Prior to January 1, 2024, each county set their own bond schedule. For more serious crimes, bond will be set at the first appearance.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Gilchrist County?
Florida offers bail in the form of cash bail or surety bond and bonds from a professional bondsperson.
Who can set bail in Gilchrist County?
Under most circumstances your bond amount is set during the booking process by a judge, and you are eligible to bond out prior to going to court. Prior to January 1, 2024, each county set their own bond schedule.
For more serious crimes, bond will be set at the first appearance. Bail is set by a judge in accordance with a precalculated schedule based on the seriousness of the offense.
When is bail set in Gilchrist County Florida?
In most cases bail is set immediately after arrest, based on the precalculated schedule. If a defendant is not eligible for immediate release bail may be set by a judge at the initial court hearing, or arraignment.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Gilchrist County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Gilchrist County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Gilchrist County Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different.
The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.
Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Gilchrist County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Gilchrist County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid. Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid. Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted. A Florida bondsperson will not write a bond for under $250.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
A bondsperson might consider a transfer bond that is transferable across state lines but generally a bond company will only assume the loan to adjoining states. For a Florida resident arrested in another state, bond companies will do transfer bonds but the person putting up the security has to be a Florida resident.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety and ultimately, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Gilchrist County have bail?
Yes, Gilchrist County has bail and recognizes most types of bonds.
As of January 1, 2024, Florida moved to a statewide uniform bond schedule.
Under most circumstances your bond amount is set during the booking process, and you are eligible to bond out prior to going to court. Prior to January 1, 2024, each county set their own bond schedule. For more serious crimes, bond will be set at the first appearance.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Gilchrist County?
Florida offers bail in the form of cash bail or surety bond and bonds from a professional bondsperson.
Who can set bail in Gilchrist County?
Under most circumstances your bond amount is set during the booking process by a judge, and you are eligible to bond out prior to going to court. Prior to January 1, 2024, each county set their own bond schedule.
For more serious crimes, bond will be set at the first appearance. Bail is set by a judge in accordance with a precalculated schedule based on the seriousness of the offense.
When is bail set in Florida?
In most cases bail is set immediately after arrest, based on the precalculated schedule. If a defendant is not eligible for immediate release bail may be set by a judge at the initial court hearing, or arraignment.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Gilchrist County Florida?
Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances, let the judge know at your initial appearance. Your attorney can also request a bond reduction.
In Gilchrist County, who can pay bail for me?
Monetary bail may be posted by any friend or relative. Surety bonds are only accepted from registered bail bond agent. Bail may be posted at the county jail where the defendant has been charged. Please contact Gilchrist County Jail at 352-463-3490 for information related to types of payment accepted, hours of operation, and location.
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Florida could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Gilchrist County Florida?
Some counties do accept online payment. Other only accept cash, money orders, or cashier’s checks. Contact the Gilchrist County Jail at 352-463-3490 for more information regarding accepted forms of payment.
What options are there to pay bail in Gilchrist County Florida?
Cash or surety bond. Surety bonds are only accepted from registered bail bond agents. Bail may be posted at the county jail where the defendant is charged. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted: Go to the Gilchrist County Jail for more information about posting bail in Gilchrist County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Florida?
Money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Gilchrist County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bond will be an option however personal recognizance bonds are not offered in Florida, leaving few options for no money up front.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Florida?
The Gilchrist County Jail or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.
The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.