Bullitt County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Bullitt County Bail and Pretrial Release
Here is how bail, bond posting and release work after an arrest in Shepherdsville, Mount Washington, Hillview or elsewhere in Bullitt County. Arrests are booked at the Bullitt County Detention Center, 1671 South Preston Highway, Shepherdsville, KY 40165, 502-543-7263. On weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., bonds are posted at the Bullitt County Judicial Center, 250 Frank E. Simon Avenue, Shepherdsville, KY 40165 (502-543-7104); at other times they are posted at the jail. Bond at the jail is cash only, in exact change.
1. How do I find the bond amount?
Find the person on the jail roster, then call 502-543-7263 to confirm the bond before you travel. Some charges wait for a judge at arraignment, so a bond may not be set right away. Ask too whether another county has a hold, since that can keep the person in jail even after Bullitt bond is paid.
↑ Back to the question list2. Where do I post bond?
On weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., all bonds are posted at the Bullitt County Judicial Center, 250 Frank E. Simon Avenue, Shepherdsville, KY 40165 (502-543-7104). On weekends, after hours, and when the judicial center is closed, pay at the jail through the door marked 118, to the right of the two large garage doors.
↑ Back to the question list3. Are there times the jail will not take bond?
Yes. The jail does no bonding or releases on weekdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon, and 3 to 5 p.m. Plan around those windows, or go to the judicial center during its weekday hours instead. Calling 502-543-7263 before you leave home can save a wasted trip.
↑ Back to the question list4. What payment does the jail take?
The jail takes bond in cash only, with exact change, so bring the precise amount. Cash bonds of $10,000 or more and property bonds must be posted at the circuit or county clerk's office, not at the jail. Keep the receipt; it is needed to claim any refund later.
↑ Back to the question list5. Can I use a bondsman?
No. Bullitt bonds are paid to the circuit clerk at the Bullitt County Judicial Center on Frank E. Simon Avenue (502-543-7104) or at the jail (502-543-7263), since Kentucky forbids commercial bail bonds (KRS 431.510). There is no agent fee, and cash posted is refunded once charges are resolved, as long as the defendant obeyed each condition.
↑ Back to the question list6. How does pretrial screening work?
At the Bullitt County Detention Center on South Preston Highway (502-543-7263), pretrial officers score each arrest for risk (KRS 431.515), and low scores usually lead to release without cash (KRS 431.066). The judge still weighs the charge and record, and can add supervision rules such as check-ins or drug tests. A defense lawyer can ask for a second look if the first decision seems wrong.
↑ Back to the question list7. What bond types and surety rules apply?
The Bullitt County Detention Center (502-543-7263) lists release on your own promise, unsecured or surety bonds, and 10 percent cash bonds (KRS 431.530). A surety must be a Kentucky resident 18 or older with a license or state ID, employed, with no pending or past felony, and not a defendant in the case. Property bonds are also possible (KRS 431.535).
↑ Back to the question list8. How is the amount set?
A Bullitt District judge sets the amount at the Judicial Center on Frank E. Simon Avenue, and the circuit clerk (502-543-7104) can say what it is. The law requires bail to be reasonable given a person's means (KRS 431.525). People charged only with violations rarely stay in jail (KRS 431.062). For a misdemeanor with no harm done, bail cannot top the fine plus costs. A state schedule covers many lower felonies (KRS 431.540), and victim safety leads in domestic violence and sex cases (KRS 431.064). Time already served can also lower what is owed, since many charges earn a $100 credit per day in jail.
↑ Back to the question list9. What comes back after the case?
On a 10 percent bond, 10 percent of the deposit (at least $5) is kept if the person is found guilty and followed the release terms. Dismissals and acquittals carry no fee. Skip court and the whole bond is lost. Refund checks go to the person named on the receipt, so whoever posts should keep it safe.
↑ Back to the question list10. What conditions can come with release?
A judge might require GPS, drug tests, check-ins, staying sober or no contact. Failing to appear means a bench warrant, and forfeiture 20 days after notice (KRS 431.545). Ask a lawyer if a rule is hard to follow; judges can change terms when asked, but breaking them on your own can mean a return to jail.
↑ Back to the question list11. Which lawyers handle Bullitt cases?
Bullitt is the 55th Judicial Circuit alone. The county attorney is at 300 South Buckman Street, 2nd Floor, Shepherdsville, KY 40165 (502-543-1505); the Commonwealth's Attorney is at 300 South Buckman Street, Shepherdsville, KY 40165 (502-543-4157). People unable to afford counsel may apply for the Bullitt County Trial Office of the public defender (650 North Buckman Street, Shepherdsville, KY 40165; 833-254-2465), who can ask the judge to review bond.
↑ Back to the question list12. What about federal or ICE holds?
A Bullitt bond covers only the state charge at the Bullitt County Detention Center (502-543-7263). Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 601 West Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, 502-625-3500, where state bond rules do not apply. Check for an ICE hold before paying, because ICE, whose nearest office is ERO Louisville (502-625-6202), may want the Shepherdsville jail to keep the person up to 48 hours beyond the release that bond would bring, and that request takes effect only when state custody is finished. See the ICE finder, the federal prison locator or our court guide.
↑ Back to the question listBullitt County Detention Center
Address:
1671 S. Preston Hwy.
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
Phone:
502-543-7263
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Bullitt County
Does Bullitt County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Bullitt County?
Who can set bail in Bullitt County?
When is bail set in Bullitt County Kentucky?
Does Bullitt 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 Bullitt County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Bullitt 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 Bullitt 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 Bullitt 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 Bullitt 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 Bullitt 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 Bullitt 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 Bullitt 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 Bullitt County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Bullitt 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 Bullitt 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 Bullitt County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Bullitt 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 Bullitt 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 Bullitt County Detention Center for contact information about the jails in Bullitt County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Bullitt 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 Bullitt County Detention Center for more information about the jails in Bullitt 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 Bullitt 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.