Allen County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Allen County Bail and Pretrial Release
This page explains bail, bonds and getting released after an arrest in Scottsville or anywhere in Allen County. Adults taken into custody are booked at the Allen County Detention Center, 196 Wood Street, Scottsville, KY 42164 (270-237-3226), and the jail can give the bond amount once a judge sets it. The Allen County Judicial Center, 200 W. Main St., Scottsville, KY 42164 is where families pay. Allen and Simpson make up the 49th Judicial Circuit.
Is there a quick way to find a Scottsville bail amount?
Two options work. Phone the detention center at 270-237-3226, or open the inmate list online. Know the full legal name and birthday before calling. Right after booking there may be no figure yet, because the judge waits for a pretrial report before deciding.
↑ Back to the question listWhat does the Allen clerk accept for bond?
Scottsville's clerk takes local checks and cards as well as cash and money orders. ePay is an online option. Call 270-237-3561 or 270-237-4734 to confirm the amount before you go. Bring photo ID, and keep the receipt in a safe place until the case closes.
↑ Back to the question listWill a bail bond company post the money?
No. Scottsville families hand Allen bond money to the circuit clerk at the Allen County Judicial Center, 200 W. Main St., Scottsville, KY 42164 (270-237-3561), because Kentucky outlaws for-profit bonding (KRS 431.510). That saves a company fee, and if the defendant attends each hearing, a cash payment returns at the end less the ten-percent fee.
↑ Back to the question listWhat part does Pretrial Services play?
At the Allen County Detention Center on Wood Street (270-237-3226), an officer from the state's Pretrial Services meets each new arrestee, confirms who they are, pulls their history and rates the risk (KRS 431.515). That score goes in front of the judge, and a low rating points the judge toward letting the person go on their own word (KRS 431.066). Some minor charges end with a citation rather than jail.
↑ Back to the question listWhich bail forms might the judge choose?
An Allen judge can let a defendant go on their own recognizance, which is simply a promise to return, or on unsecured bail, which an Allen defendant owes only if a hearing is skipped. The judge may instead ask for a 10 percent deposit (KRS 431.530), cash for the whole sum, or land or a home with equity worth twice the bond (KRS 431.535).
Relatives can be named sureties, without any fee, if the court agrees (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listWhat keeps an Allen bail amount reasonable?
The district judge at the Allen County Judicial Center sets the amount, and the circuit clerk (270-237-3561) can tell a family what it is. State law ties bail to what the defendant can actually pay (KRS 431.525) and generally rules out jail over a simple violation (KRS 431.062). Nonviolent misdemeanor bail can't top the fine plus costs. Many Class D felony charges carry a fixed state amount (KRS 431.540). Abuse and sex offense cases get extra attention to victim safety (KRS 431.064). Each day jailed before release is credited at $100 against bail (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listHow much of the deposit comes back?
All but ten percent, with a $5 minimum fee, if every court date was kept. When charges are dismissed or the verdict is not guilty, the clerk keeps nothing. Costs or restitution can come out of it first. Ask at 270-237-3561 when to expect the check.
↑ Back to the question listWhat can happen if a released person breaks the rules?
A Scottsville judge can order staying away from certain people, avoiding alcohol and drugs, testing, a GPS device or reporting in. A violation or missed date can lead to a warrant, with the bond at risk of forfeiture 20 days after notice (KRS 431.545). Lawyers can ask for changes to conditions that block work or school.
↑ Back to the question listWho argues for and against release?
On misdemeanors and early felony steps, the Allen County Attorney handles the state's side from 201 W. Main Street, Suite 203, Scottsville, KY 42164 (270-237-3117). Once a felony is indicted, that job passes to the 49th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney in Franklin (107 Robey Street, Suite 1, Franklin, KY 42134 (270-586-5326)), whose office also covers Simpson County. For defendants who can't pay a lawyer, the Bowling Green South Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (1001 Center St., Suite 300, Bowling Green, KY 42101; 833-444-0135) steps in. Our court guide shows each stage.
↑ Back to the question listDoes an Allen bond also clear federal charges or an ICE detainer?
No. An Allen bond settles only the state charge that keeps someone at the Allen County Detention Center (270-237-3226). Federal counts are a matter for the U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 241 East Main Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42101, 270-393-2500 and its judges. An immigration detainer runs separately: ICE, whose nearest office is ERO Louisville at 502-625-6202, may request that the Scottsville jail keep the person for up to 48 hours past the time Allen would otherwise release them, though not until the state case has let go of them. Families can also check the ICE locator or BOP prisoner search.
↑ Back to the question listAllen County Detention Center
Address:
196 Wood Street
Scottsville, KY 42164
Phone:
270-237-3226
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Allen County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Allen County?
Who can set bail in Allen County?
When is bail set in Allen County Kentucky?
Does Allen County have bail?
Yes, Section 16 the Kentucky Constitution guarantees the right to bail for all but capital crimes. However, Kentucky does not permit bond companies to operate within the state. Any bonds would be gotten through the Allen County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Allen County?
Kentucky offers several options when it comes to paying bail including release on own recognizance, cash bail, percentage bond, property bond, surety bond or unsecured bond.
Who can set bail in Allen County?
Pretrial officers are mandated to conduct an interview and assessment within 12 hours of arrest on individuals arrested on bailable offenses. If a defendant does not qualify for administrative release, pretrial officers then present the findings to a judge, who makes the decision about pretrial release.
When is bail set in Allen County Kentucky?
Bail is set either the day of the arrest or by a judge at the arraignment, which is when the defendant will also enter a plea. In most cases the arraignment will occur the morning following arrest.
What is Bail?
Bail is money paid that is held by the Allen County or municipal court to make sure that the arrested does not flee the area before their trial. Bail amounts and other conditions are determined at the arraignment.
The State of Kentucky has banned commercial bail by a bail bond company.
Pretrial officers are mandated to conduct an interview and assessment within 12 hours of arrest on individuals arrested on bailable offenses. If a defendant does not qualify for administrative release, pretrial officers then present the findings to a judge, who makes the decision about pretrial release.
It is always important to have family involvement after being arrested. Not only can they make calls and communicate on your behalf, but family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court, not only for the defendant’s own good, but because they may have signed bond paperwork and responsible to pay if the defendant does not show in court.
(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. There are no bond companies in Kentucky.)
If the pretrial officer and judge 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 Allen County Detention Center until the case is resolved or goes to trial. Bail can also be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest.
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.
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.
What are the different types of bonds in Allen County?
Based on a review of information from the pretrial officer, the judge will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
These are the bonds that the Clerk of Court can process in Kentucky:
For minor offenses, the defendant, friend, or family can pay the full amount of bail.
A personal recognizance bond is where the defendant or someone representing the defendant signs paperwork which only requires a signature and promise from the defendant to return to court. If the defendant does not return to court, a warrant for arrest and detention can follow.
An unsecured release requires the defendant’s signature and conditions to be met. If the defendant does not return to court, the bail amount would need to be paid.
Cash percentage bond. If the bond order permits, the defendant pays 10% to the court, which then holds the money until the case is over. 10% of the 10% paid remains with the court and in most cases, there are court fees or fines due in addition, so if the defendant returns to all court hearings, 90% of the money paid to the court will be returned but additional fines and fees might be owed.
Third-party surety release requires another person called a surety to sign with the defendant. The other person would need to put up property or partial money. Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
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 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, although the court generally does not start the process to acquire the deed unless the defendant does not show to a court appearance.
Does Allen County Kentucky have bail?
Yes, Section 16 the Kentucky Constitution guarantees the right to bail for all but capital crimes. However, Kentucky does not permit bond companies to operate within the state. Any bonds would be gotten through the Allen County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Allen County?
Kentucky offers several options when it comes to paying bail including release on own recognizance, cash bail, percentage bond, property bond, surety bond or unsecured bond.
Who can set bail in Allen County?
Pretrial officers are mandated to conduct an interview and assessment within 12 hours of arrest on individuals arrested on bailable offenses. If a defendant does not qualify for administrative release, pretrial officers then present the findings to a judge, who makes the decision about pretrial release.
When is bail set in Kentucky?
Bail is set either the day of the arrest or by a judge at the arraignment, which is when the defendant will also enter a plea. In most cases the arraignment will occur the morning following arrest.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Allen County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Allen County Kentucky, who can pay bail for me?
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.
Can bail be paid online in Allen County Kentucky?
Kentucky does not have an online bail payment system; however, you can add funds to an inmate’s spending account which can then be used to post bail. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Allen County Detention Center for contact information about the jails in Allen County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Allen County Kentucky?
Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted: Go to the Allen County Detention Center for more information about the jails in Allen County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Kentucky?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. Not all money is returned due to bond percentages and court fees.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Allen County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Kentucky?
Kentucky does not allow bond companies to operate in the state. The bond is acquired through the courts. A cash bond or a personal recognizance bond does not require money down.