Ballard County Detention Facility Inmate Bail & Bonds
Ballard County Bail and Pretrial Release
This page explains how bail gets someone released from jail in Ballard County, where both the jail and the courthouse sit in Wickliffe, the county seat near where the Ohio meets the Mississippi. People arrested here go to the Ballard County Detention Facility, 132 Mayola Avenue, Wickliffe, KY 42087, phone 270-335-3691. Bonds are paid at the Ballard County Courthouse, 132 N. Fourth St., Wickliffe, KY 42087, where the circuit clerk's number is 270-335-5123, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ballard is one of four counties in the 1st Judicial Circuit.
Who knows the bail amount for a Ballard arrest?
Staff at the Ballard jail have it on the booking sheet. Call 270-335-3691 or check the inmate roster. Because the facility also houses people from Carlisle, give the person's complete legal name and birth date so staff pull the right record. Write down the charge, the bond and the case number. Then ask whether a pretrial officer has already made a recommendation, since that can change the plan.
↑ Back to the question listPaying at the Wickliffe courthouse: what's accepted?
Ballard's circuit clerk in Wickliffe takes paper money, personal checks and money orders at the window, and the state court site says cards (with a fee) and ePay online work too. Call 270-335-5123 to make sure the method you plan to use is allowed for bond. Bring a photo ID, and note that the building's ramp is on the side. Hours run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.
↑ Back to the question listBail bondsmen: can one help in Ballard County?
They can't. Money goes to the Fourth Street clerk (270-335-5123) or the Mayola Avenue jail (270-335-3691). Kentucky law bans posting bail for profit (KRS 431.510), and that includes firms from Missouri or Illinois across the rivers. Family or friends pay the clerk directly. The court holds the money and returns it, less the clerk's fee, if every court date is kept.
↑ Back to the question listWhat happens in the pretrial interview?
Shortly after booking, a state pretrial officer asks about work, family, address and past cases. Those answers feed a risk score (KRS 431.515). A Ballard judge then decides on release. For low-risk people, state law leans toward letting them go without money (KRS 431.066), and moderate risk can mean supervision instead of cash.
↑ Back to the question listWhich bond options might a Ballard judge set?
A judge in Wickliffe may let someone out on recognizance, just a signed promise to return, or set an unsecured bond that is owed only after a missed court date. Another choice is a cash deposit of ten percent of the bail (KRS 431.530), the full amount in cash, or property that is worth at least double the bail (KRS 431.535).
A relative approved by the court can also sign on as surety at no cost (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listHow does state law keep bail in check?
The Wickliffe clerk (270-335-5123) can read you the figure a judge set. The amount has to fit what the defendant can reasonably pay (KRS 431.525). Someone accused only of a violation is presumed eligible for release (KRS 431.062). For a misdemeanor with no one hurt, the most that can be set is the top fine plus costs. Some Class D felonies follow a statewide table (KRS 431.540). Family violence and sex crimes require a look at victim safety (KRS 431.064). Each day behind bars counts as $100 toward the bail.
↑ Back to the question listWhen the case ends, what happens to the bail money?
The Wickliffe clerk refunds a cash deposit once the case closes, as long as every hearing was attended, though it keeps 10 percent (never less than $5). If charges are dropped or the verdict is not guilty, no fee is kept. Any fines, costs or restitution owed may be subtracted first. Save the receipt and call 270-335-5123 if the check is slow.
↑ Back to the question listWhat conditions come with release?
Ballard judges can bar contact with alleged victims, ban alcohol and drugs, order testing, require an ankle monitor or set check-ins. A skipped hearing means an arrest warrant, plus possible loss of the money once 20 days pass after notice (KRS 431.545). If a rule conflicts with work or school, a lawyer can ask for a change.
↑ Back to the question listWhich lawyers are part of a Ballard bail hearing?
Ballard's county attorney prosecutes the hearing from inside the courthouse at 132 N. 4th St., Wickliffe, KY 42087 (270-335-3504), inside the courthouse. The 1st Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney, who also covers Carlisle, Fulton and Hickman, works from 985 U.S. Highway 62, Suite 241, Bardwell, KY 42023 (270-628-9150). Public defense comes from the Paducah Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (405 Clarence Gaines St., Paducah, KY 42003; 833-895-0577), whose lawyers can argue for a lower bond. Our court guide has more.
↑ Back to the question listIf there's a federal case or ICE detainer, will a Wickliffe bond help?
It doesn't. Ask the Ballard jail (270-335-3691) about holds; Paducah marshals take calls at 270-415-1706, ICE Louisville at 502-625-6202. A federal judge at the U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 501 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001, 270-415-6400 controls release in federal cases. An ICE detainer allows the jail to keep someone up to 48 hours past release. Call 270-335-3691 before paying to ask about holds, then follow transfers with the ICE detainee search or BOP lookup.
↑ Back to the question listPaying an Inmate's Bail or Bond in Ballard County
The Ballard County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Ballard County.
However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:
- You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Ballard County, or in some cases the state of Kentucky, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Ballard County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
- The typical fee for a bond in Kentucky is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less. So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1,500.00.
- Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the Ballard County Detention Facility, or the courthouse in Ballard County where the offense took place.
Call 270-335-3691 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Ballard County inmate locator.
Ballard County Detention Facility
Address:
132 Mayola Avenue
Wickliffe, KY 42087
Phone:
270-335-3691
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Ballard County
Does Ballard County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ballard County?
Who can set bail in Ballard County?
When is bail set in Ballard County Kentucky?
Does Ballard 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 Ballard County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ballard 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 Ballard 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 Ballard 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 Ballard 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 Ballard County Detention Facility 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 Ballard 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 Ballard 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 Ballard County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ballard 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 Ballard 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 Ballard County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Ballard 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 Ballard 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 Ballard County Detention Facility for contact information about the jails in Ballard County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Ballard 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 Ballard County Detention Facility for more information about the jails in Ballard 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 Ballard 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.