Cumberland County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

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Kentucky bail and release

Cumberland County Bail and Pretrial Release

Bail for release on a Cumberland charge is posted in Burkesville or at the Columbia jail, since no jail operates in Burkesville. Instead, people arrested in Cumberland County are driven north to the Adair County Regional Jail, 204 Greensburg St., Columbia, KY 42728, phone 270-384-5701. The judge, the case file and the bond window all remain at home, though: payment goes to the circuit clerk at the Cumberland County courthouse, 112 Courthouse Square, Burkesville, KY 42717 (270-864-2611). The 40th Judicial Circuit links Cumberland with Clinton and Russell.

Who knows the bail amount after an arrest in Burkesville?

Columbia can tell you. Dial 270-384-5701 or open the regional jail roster, and say the arrest came from Cumberland, since Adair prisoners are on the same list. Have a birthday ready. Jot down the charge, bail figure and docket number, and ask if a pretrial recommendation exists.

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Where does a family pay a Cumberland bond?

Payments are made to the circuit clerk on Courthouse Square in Burkesville, phone 270-864-2611. Calling first saves a wasted trip if the figure has changed. Ask which payment forms work for bonds, bring a government photo ID, and hold on to the receipt the clerk gives you.

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Can the jail in Columbia accept the money instead?

Possibly; the Burkesville clerk (270-864-2611) always can. State law permits a jailer to take bail for a $5 fee where the local fiscal court agrees (KRS 431.5305). Ask 270-384-5701 whether it handles Cumberland bonds before you count on that, because the court that set the bond sits in another county.

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Do bondsmen work in Cumberland County?

No. Pay the Courthouse Square clerk (270-864-2611) or the Adair jail (270-384-5701). For-profit bail is outlawed statewide (KRS 431.510), and an out-of-state company can't post a Kentucky bond either. Relatives pay the court themselves, and the larger share of a deposit is refunded when the case ends if no hearing was missed.

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What role does pretrial services play?

Screening happens at the Columbia jail (270-384-5701). A pretrial officer from the state court system screens each new prisoner, asking about address, job, record and court history, and assigns a risk level (KRS 431.515). A judge then rules. A Cumberland defendant rated low risk may be released with no payment (KRS 431.066). Minor non-violent arrests can qualify for release before a judge ever looks at the case.

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How high can bail be set?

The Burkesville clerk (270-864-2611) has the actual number. It must be reasonable given what the defendant can afford (KRS 431.525), and state policy avoids jailing people over violations (KRS 431.062). If a misdemeanor caused no injury, the ceiling is the top fine plus costs. A state schedule governs some Class D felonies (KRS 431.540). Domestic violence and sex offense bonds also weigh the victim's safety (KRS 431.064). Time in custody earns $100 a day toward bail (KRS 431.066).

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How does the clerk return a deposit?

If the defendant came to every hearing, Burkesville's clerk will repay the deposit after the final ruling, keeping 10 percent with a $5 minimum. After an acquittal or a dismissal, the clerk returns every dollar. Court-ordered fines, costs or restitution can be paid out of it first. The clerk answers refund questions at 270-864-2611.

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What conditions might be added to release?

Possible terms include staying away from the alleged victim, no alcohol or drugs, random testing, electronic monitoring and scheduled reporting. An absence from court brings an arrest order; twenty days after notice, the posted money can be lost (KRS 431.545). A lawyer can ask the court to loosen a term that threatens a job.

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Is a Cumberland bond enough if there's also a federal charge or immigration hold?

No. Only a federal judge at the U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 241 East Main Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42101, 270-393-2500 can release someone on a federal case. ICE detainers allow the jail in Columbia to hold someone for as long as 48 hours once state custody would end. Check with 270-384-5701 before paying, then search the ICE online detainee locator or Bureau of Prisons locator. Our court guide lists prosecutors and defense contacts.

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Cumberland County Jail

Address:
1152 Lewis Creek Road
Burkesville, KY 42717

Phone:

270-384-5701

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Cumberland County


Does Cumberland County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Cumberland County?

Who can set bail in Cumberland County?

When is bail set in Cumberland County Kentucky?


Does Cumberland 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 Cumberland County court system.


What kind of bonds are accepted in Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland County court system.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland County Kentucky? 

Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.

In Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland County Jail for contact information about the jails in Cumberland County or the Clerk of Court.

What options are there to pay bail in Cumberland 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 Cumberland County Jail for more information about the jails in Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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.

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