Caldwell County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Caldwell County Bail and Pretrial Release
Bail and release terms for people arrested in Caldwell County are set while they are held at the Caldwell County Jail in Princeton (270-365-6790). The circuit clerk at the Caldwell County Courthouse Annex, 105 W. Court Square, Princeton, KY 42445 collects bond, and only cash is accepted for it. Questions go to 270-365-6884. Caldwell shares the 56th Judicial Circuit with Livingston, Lyon and Trigg.
How do I find the bond amount?
Call the jail at 270-365-6790 with the full name and birth date. The inmate list might show the bond as well. A blank entry means no amount has been set yet; call back later.
↑ Back to the question listWhere is bond paid, and how?
Caldwell bond must be cash, paid at the circuit clerk's window in the Caldwell County Courthouse Annex, 105 W. Court Square, Princeton, KY 42445. Call 270-365-6884 before heading over. Fines and costs may be settled by check, money order or ePay as well. Parking near the annex is limited to two hours, and there is an elevator. Bring a photo ID.
↑ Back to the question listDo bondsmen work in Caldwell County?
No. Post at the Court Square annex clerk (270-365-6884) or the Princeton jail (270-365-6790). Commercial bail has been illegal in Kentucky for years (KRS 431.510). Whoever posts the money pays the court directly, and perfect attendance means nearly all of it is returned at the end.
↑ Back to the question listWhat happens in a pretrial interview?
It is held at the Princeton jail (270-365-6790). Not long after intake, a Pretrial Services officer asks about the person's address, job and history, checks prior cases, and rates how likely a no-show or reoffense is (KRS 431.515). That score goes to the judge. Someone scored low risk can be let go without paying (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listWhich bail types might a Princeton judge set?
The Caldwell clerk (270-365-6884) can tell you which was chosen. Choices are recognizance, unsecured bail, a 10 percent deposit (KRS 431.530), the full amount in cash, or a bond secured by property worth twice the bail (KRS 431.535). A judge may also let a relative stand as surety without paying anything (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listAre there legal caps on bail?
Yes; the Princeton clerk (270-365-6884) has the amount once entered. Bail must be within reach of the defendant's means (KRS 431.525), and courts avoid jailing people over violations alone (KRS 431.062). A nonviolent misdemeanor can't carry bail above the highest fine plus costs. Listed Class D felonies use a standard amount (KRS 431.540), and abuse cases add safeguards for victims (KRS 431.064). Credit for time served is $100 a day (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listWhat happens to the bail money when the case ends?
It is refunded. A defendant who came to court every time gets back all but 10 percent, with $5 as the lowest fee. Dismissed cases and acquittals are fee-free. Any unpaid court debt or restitution comes out before the check is cut. The clerk (270-365-6884) can give a timeline.
↑ Back to the question listWhat release terms are common?
Orders can bar contact with certain people, forbid drinking, require drug testing, add GPS or call for phone reporting. Violating a term or missing court can result in arrest, and bail can be forfeited 20 days after notice (KRS 431.545). A lawyer may ask the judge to ease a condition that is hard to meet.
↑ Back to the question listWho prosecutes and defends Caldwell bail cases?
The Caldwell County Attorney (100 East Market Street, Room 14, Princeton, KY 42445 (270-365-5613)) takes misdemeanors and early felony stages. After indictment, felonies belong to the 56th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney in Eddyville (248 Commerce Street, Eddyville, KY 42038 (270-388-9494)). Defendants who can't afford counsel get the Princeton Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (105 S. Jefferson St., Princeton, KY 42445; 833-514-8982). Our court guide explains more.
↑ Back to the question listDoes bail cover federal or immigration holds?
No. The U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 501 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001, 270-415-6400 owns federal prosecutions, so a federal judge makes that call. An immigration detainer may add up to 48 hours in custody once state charges no longer hold the person. Call 270-365-6790, then search the ICE locator or Bureau of Prisons locator.
↑ Back to the question listCaldwell County Jail
Address:
111 E Market Street
Princeton, KY 42445
Phone:
270-365-6790
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Caldwell County
Does Caldwell County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Caldwell County?
Who can set bail in Caldwell County?
When is bail set in Caldwell County Kentucky?
Does Caldwell 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 Caldwell County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell County Jail for contact information about the jails in Caldwell County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Caldwell 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 Caldwell County Jail for more information about the jails in Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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.