Brown County Jail

Cash bail is used less than before. A judge should start with no money.

Some cases are left out:

• people held for murder or treason;
• someone already out on another case;
• anyone on probation, parole or community corrections.

Under IC 35-33-8-4, bail only covers court and safety. The Circuit Court is at P.O. Box 85, 20 E. Main Street, Nashville, IN 47448.

A short interview often comes first in Brown County. IRAS-PAT asks 7 questions. A result is low, moderate or high. The answers stay out of a trial. The judge still decides.

Without a warrant, a judge reviews the arrest within 48 hours. The initial hearing covers charges and rights.

Minor charges may follow a bail schedule. Ask the jail at 812-988-6655 or 812-988-5605 (call either).

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

• pretrial check-ins,
• no contact with a victim,
• a curfew,
• and drug or alcohol tests.

A broken rule can end release in the county. Skipping court in the county can cost the bail.

Agents need a state license (IC 27-10). Agents must collect the full rate (IC 27-10-4-5). Many local agents charge near 10 percent.

• Check the license with the Indiana Department of Insurance.
• Co-signers can owe the full bail.
• Ask for written receipts.
• The jail won't name a bondsman.

1. Call 812-988-6655 or 812-988-5605 (call either) or use the Brown County INjail Public Access inmate search.
2. Let booking finish first.
3. Check payment options with the jail.
4. Pay at 55 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448 unless told otherwise.
5. Bring ID and the date of birth.
6. An agent can post a surety bond.
7.  

Bail comes in a few forms:

• Full cash: all of it goes to the clerk. After the case, the rest comes back (IC 35-33-8-3.2).
• Ten percent cash: IC 35-33-8-3.2 allows a 10 percent cash deposit. The lesser of $50 or 10 percent, plus $5, is kept.
• Agent bond: an agent licensed under IC 27-10 posts it. In this county, the premium is kept.
• Real estate bond: a judge may accept a home.

For payments, the Clerk is at P.O. Box 85, 20 E. Main Street, Nashville, IN 47448; call 812-988-5510.

Refunds come after the case closes. Fees can come out of bail under IC 35-33-8-3.2. For a refund, call 812-988-5510. Keep your address current.

The statewide vote on Public Question 1 ended in a yes on November 3, 2026, in uncertified returns. Previously, murder and treason were the two charges that allowed a hold without bail. Now a judge may also deny bail in other cases when the proof is evident or the presumption strong and the defendant poses a substantial risk to another person. The prosecution has to meet a clear and convincing standard showing release conditions will not reasonably protect others. A no-bail order under this rule is open to appeal.

Since July 1, 2026, Senate Enrolled Act 76 applies. Under Senate Enrolled Act 76, the judge gets notice in writing. Ask about a hold at 812-988-6655 or 812-988-5605 (call either). At 55 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448, ICE may pick the person up. Talk to an immigration lawyer first.

Criminal courts, from the October 2026 Indiana court directory:

• Circuit Court: P.O. Box 85, 20 E. Main Street, Nashville, IN 47448, 812-988-7557

The clerk's office, P.O. Box 85, 20 E. Main Street, Nashville, IN 47448, 812-988-5510, files papers and takes payments.

Under Senate Enrolled Act 76, in effect July 1, 2026, written notice goes to the judge. It goes in the record. Get immigration advice before any plea. At 55 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448, ICE may take custody. The ICE Online Detainee Locator System then shows where.

Look up the case on MyCase first. It is Indiana's statewide portal for public court records, and a judge's warrant order appears with the case. Then call the Brown County Sheriff's Office in Nashville at 812-988-6655; deputies handle warrant service countywide and will check a name. Clearing a warrant generally means appearing before the judge, often through a surrender a defense attorney arranges in advance. The clerk's office takes mail at P.O. Box 85, 20 E. Main Street, Nashville, IN 47448 and phone calls at 812-988-5510.

1. Open MyCase, the free state case search.
2. Enter a name or number; filter to Brown County.
3. Hearings for cases appear on the docket.
4. The Clerk at P.O. Box 85, 20 E. Main Street, Nashville, IN 47448 can help: 812-988-5510.

Juvenile cases are not public.

1. Under Appellate Rule 9, the notice is due within 30 days.
2. Notices go to the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Tax Court, 216 State House, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, 317-232-1930.
3. Expect a $250 fee.
4. Judges on the Indiana Court of Appeals read the record.
5. The last step is the Indiana Supreme Court.

1. Initial hearing: charges are read.
2. Omnibus deadline: motions in Brown County must be filed by this date.
3. Pretrial conferences: lawyers trade evidence.
4. Trial date: Criminal Rule 4 allows a speedy trial within 70 days.
5. Sentencing: many Level 6 terms are served at the jail. Longer terms go to the Indiana Department of Correction.

One court, the Brown County Circuit Court, hears felonies and misdemeanors. With no city court, small cases stay there. Each case on MyCase lists its court.

At the first hearing here, ask for a public defender. A financial form may be needed in the county. The Indiana Public Defender Commission helps fund public defense.

This county is in the Indianapolis Division of the Southern District of Indiana. Clerk's office: Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317-229-3700). Federal defendants from this county may be held by the U.S. Marshals Service.