Butler County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Butler County Bail and Pretrial Release
Bail and release on a Butler arrest are handled in Morgantown, where the county keeps its own lockup, the Butler County Jail (110 North Main Street, Morgantown, KY 42261; 270-526-3505). The circuit clerk in the Butler County Courthouse, 110 N. Main St., Morgantown, KY 42261 handles bond and can be reached at 270-526-5631. Butler belongs to the 38th Judicial Circuit along with Hancock and Ohio counties.
Who can tell me the bond amount?
Phone the jail at 270-526-3505, spelling the person's name and giving a birth date. The inmate roster may list the figure too. When no amount appears, the judge likely hasn't ruled on the pretrial report, so wait a bit and check again later in the day.
↑ Back to the question listHow is bond paid?
Go to the circuit clerk's office in the Butler County Courthouse, 110 N. Main St., Morgantown, KY 42261, or call first at 270-526-5631. Cash, checks, money orders, credit cards and ePay are accepted for court payments; ask which of them work for a bond. Parking is free, and an elevator reaches the second floor. Bring photo ID.
↑ Back to the question listIs there a bail bond company I can use?
No. Morgantown bonds go to the courthouse clerk (270-526-5631) or the jail (270-526-3505). Kentucky law shut down the bail bond business (KRS 431.510), so families deal with the court directly. A defendant who never misses court gets the deposit back when the case ends, less the clerk's fee.
↑ Back to the question listHow does pretrial screening work?
A Pretrial Services officer interviews each newly booked adult. The officer verifies where the person lives and works, reviews any record and assigns a risk score for skipping court or reoffending (KRS 431.515). The judge weighs that score, and those scored low risk can be freed without money (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listWhat forms of bail can a judge choose?
The Butler clerk (270-526-5631) can name the form on the order. A judge picks from recognizance release, unsecured bail, a deposit of 10 percent (KRS 431.530), full cash, or a property bond on land worth twice the bail (KRS 431.535). In some cases a relative is allowed to sign as surety without putting money down (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listCan bail in Butler County be set at any amount?
No, and the Main Street clerk (270-526-5631) can give you the number actually set. The amount must suit the person's finances (KRS 431.525), and keeping someone jailed over a violation alone is discouraged (KRS 431.062). For a nonviolent misdemeanor, bail can't exceed the top fine plus costs. A fixed schedule covers listed Class D felonies (KRS 431.540), and abuse cases include added protections for victims (KRS 431.064). Jail time is credited at $100 per day (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listHow do I get bail money back?
The clerk issues the refund at the very end. For a defendant with no missed dates, 10 percent is held back, with a $5 minimum, and the balance is returned. Cases that end in dismissal or a not guilty verdict carry no charge. Fines, costs or restitution may be paid from it first. Ask at 270-526-5631 about timing.
↑ Back to the question listWhat rules can come with a Morgantown release?
The judge may order the defendant to stay away from a victim, stay sober, take drug screens, wear a GPS unit or report by phone. A broken rule or a missed hearing may lead to arrest, and the bail can be forfeited 20 days after notice (KRS 431.545). A defense attorney can ask to change a term that is too hard to follow.
↑ Back to the question listWhich attorneys take part in bail hearings?
The Butler County Attorney (110 N. Main, Morgantown, KY 42261 (270-526-3316)) prosecutes misdemeanors and handles felonies until indictment. Indicted felony cases go to the 38th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney (201 East Ohio Street, Suite 3, Morgantown, KY 42261 (270-526-3871)). If a defendant can't hire a lawyer, the Bowling Green North Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (1001 Center St., Suite 301, Bowling Green, KY 42101; 833-254-2458) steps in. See our court guide.
↑ Back to the question listDoes paying Butler bail clear a federal or immigration hold?
No. The U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 241 East Main Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42101, 270-393-2500 hears federal cases, and only federal judges set release terms there. An ICE detainer can add up to 48 hours of custody after state release. Call 270-526-3505, then look in the ICE detainee locator or the federal inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listButler County Jail
Address:
110 North Main Street
Morgantown, KY 42261
Phone:
270-526-3505
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Butler County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Butler County?
Who can set bail in Butler County?
When is bail set in Butler County Kentucky?
Does Butler 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 Butler County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Butler 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 Butler 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 Butler 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 Butler 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 Butler County Jail 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 Butler 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 Butler 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 Butler County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Butler 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 Butler 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 Butler County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Butler 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 Butler 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 Butler County Jail for contact information about the jails in Butler County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Butler 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 Butler County Jail for more information about the jails in Butler 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 Butler 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.