Bartholomew County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Judges use money only with a good reason.

In this county, these are left out:

• murder or treason charges;
• someone already out on another case;
• people on probation or parole.

IC 35-33-8-4 limits bail to what is needed. The Circuit Court, 234 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201, hears these cases.

The Bartholomew County Clerk holds cash bail until the case ends. IC 35-33-8-3.2 allows costs to be deducted. Call 812-379-1600 about a refund. Bring the receipt.

Every this county release has 2 rules: court dates and no new crimes. By IC 35-33-8-3.2, this county may also require:

• regular check-ins,
• a no-contact order,
• home detention,
• and testing.

A judge may revoke release after a violation. In the county, a no-show means a warrant.

Bail comes in a few forms:

• Cash bail: you post every dollar. IC 35-33-8-3.2 lets costs come out first.
• 10 percent deposit: under IC 35-33-8-3.2, a deposit of 10 percent may do. A fee of $50 or less, plus $5, is kept.
• Bail bond: an IC 27-10 agent covers it for a premium. In Bartholomew County, the premium is kept.
• Property bond: some local judges take land as security.

Call the clerk at 812-379-1600 (the courthouse in Columbus; mail: P.O. Box 924, Columbus, IN 47202).

1. Search the VINELink; for the amount, call 812-379-1753 or 812-379-1740 (call either).
2. Wait until booking is done.
3. Ask the jail which payments work.
4. The jail is at 543 2nd Street, Columbus, IN 47201.
5. You need a photo ID.
6. A bail agent can post it in this county.
7. The jail may take hours to release.

By IC 27-10, every agent needs a license. By IC 27-10-4-5, the filed premium must be charged. In Bartholomew County, that is often about 10 percent.

• Confirm the license through the Indiana Department of Insurance.
• Signing means you could owe the bail.
• Keep receipts for fees and collateral.
• Staff at the jail won't pick an agent.

In the county, probable cause is checked within 48 hours. The initial hearing covers charges and rights. Bail is decided there. This county often uses video from the jail.

Some small charges have a set bail here. 812-379-1753 or 812-379-1740 (call either) is the jail line.

A short interview often comes first in the county. IRAS-PAT asks 7 questions. Plan on 10 to 15 minutes. In the county, the answers are for release only.

Early unofficial tallies show Indiana voters said yes to Public Question 1 on Election Day, November 3, 2026. Murder and treason were once the only cases where bail could be withheld. Under the new language, bail can be denied beyond those two crimes where proof is evident or the presumption strong and the defendant endangers another person. Prosecutors carry the burden, with clear and convincing evidence that no set of release terms will keep other people or the community safe. The person held may challenge the ruling on appeal.

On July 1, 2026, Senate Enrolled Act 76 started. Under Senate Enrolled Act 76, the judge gets notice in writing. It is logged, and the person is told. After bail, ICE may take the person.