Hancock County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Hancock County Bail and Pretrial Release
Release bail on a Hancock arrest is posted in Hawesville or Hardinsburg, where people are held at the Breckinridge County Detention Center (500 Glen Nash Lane, Hardinsburg, KY 40143; 270-756-6244 (Alternative number: 270-756-6333)). Bond is handled by the clerk at the Hancock County Judicial Center, 310 Hawesville School Dr., Hawesville, KY 42348 (270-927-8144), open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 38th Judicial Circuit joins Hancock with Butler and Ohio counties.
How do I learn a bond amount in Hawesville?
Phone Hardinsburg at 270-756-6244; spell the arrested person's name and give a birth date. The inmate roster may list the bond too. If no amount shows, the judge probably hasn't addressed release; Hancock District Court meets the first and third Tuesday, with criminal cases at 9:30 a.m.
↑ Back to the question listWhich payments does the clerk take for bond?
At the judicial center counter, Hancock's clerk takes currency, money orders, certified checks or a personal check drawn on a local bank, and ePay covers listed court payments. The jail in Hardinsburg doesn't collect bond. Call 270-927-8144 on a weekday to verify the sum and bring photo ID.
↑ Back to the question listCan a bondsman help in Hancock County?
No. Pay the Hawesville clerk (270-927-8144) or the Breckinridge jail (270-756-6244). Kentucky prohibits commercial bail bonding (KRS 431.510). Relatives deal with the Hawesville clerk themselves, and the deposit, less the clerk's fee, is returned at the finish provided no court date was skipped.
↑ Back to the question listHow do judges here decide who goes home?
It starts with an interview at the Hardinsburg jail (270-756-6244). A Pretrial Services officer meets the defendant after booking, checks residence, job and criminal history, and gives a risk score for flight or new arrests (KRS 431.515). Low-risk people can be let go without putting up money (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listWhich bail types do Hawesville judges use?
The Hancock clerk (270-927-8144) can name the kind ordered. Choices range from a recognizance release or an unsecured amount up to a 10 percent deposit (KRS 431.530), the full cash figure, or property appraised at double (KRS 431.535). A relative might be named surety without paying anything (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listIs there a ceiling on Hancock County bail?
Yes, more than one; the Hawesville clerk (270-927-8144) has the figure set. Judges must weigh what a defendant can afford (KRS 431.525), and holding someone in jail only for a violation is frowned on (KRS 431.062). Nonviolent misdemeanor bail may not exceed the largest possible fine plus costs. Listed Class D felonies are covered by a uniform schedule (KRS 431.540), and domestic cases trigger added protections (KRS 431.064). Each day already served offsets $100 (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listWhen is bail money refunded?
Refunds are issued at the end of the case. Perfect attendance means the deposit returns less a 10 percent fee, minimum $5. If the charges are dismissed or the defendant is acquitted, nothing is withheld. Court costs and fines owed come out first. Call 270-927-8144 to ask when to expect it.
↑ Back to the question listWhat conditions might a release carry?
Orders may forbid contact with an alleged victim, require sobriety, add drug testing or GPS, or call for regular check-ins. Skipping a hearing or a violation can lead to a warrant and forfeiture 20 days after notice (KRS 431.545). The defense can move to loosen a term the person can't satisfy.
↑ Back to the question listWho prosecutes and defends Hancock cases?
The Hancock County Attorney on Main Cross Street (225 Main Cross Street, Hawesville, KY 42348 (270-927-8779)) handles misdemeanors and opens felony files. Once a grand jury indicts, the 38th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney in Morgantown (201 East Ohio Street, Suite 3, Morgantown, KY 42261 (270-526-3871)) takes over. A defendant who can't afford a lawyer gets the Owensboro Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (920 Frederica St., Suite 1006, Owensboro, KY 42301; 833-514-8980). See our court guide.
↑ Back to the question listDoes Hancock bail settle a federal or immigration hold?
No. Federal release is decided by the U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 423 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301, 270-689-4400. An immigration detainer allows Hardinsburg to keep someone up to 48 hours after state release. Ask 270-756-6244 about holds before paying, and check the ICE locator or BOP locator.
↑ Back to the question listHancock County Jail
Address:
225 Main Cross Street
PO Box 580
Hawesville, KY 42348
Phone:
270-756-6333
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Hancock County
Does Hancock County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Hancock County?
Who can set bail in Hancock County?
When is bail set in Hancock County Kentucky?
Does Hancock 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 Hancock County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Hancock 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 Hancock 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 Hancock 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 Hancock 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 Hancock 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 Hancock 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 Hancock 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 Hancock County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Hancock 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 Hancock 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 Hancock County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Hancock 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 Hancock 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 Hancock County Jail for contact information about the jails in Hancock County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Hancock 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 Hancock County Jail for more information about the jails in Hancock 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 Hancock 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.