Big Sandy Regional Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds

Phone the detention center at 606-297-5245, where office staff work weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Have the inmate's full legal name and birthday ready. The inmate roster may show the figure too. A blank entry typically means a judge hasn't ruled yet, which normally comes at the first court appearance.

Bring the money to the clerk in Suite 109 of the judicial center. Cash, cashier's checks, money orders and cards (with a processing fee) are taken, and ePay works online. A personal check must show the writer's current address, two phone numbers and driver's license number. Verify the total at 606-297-9567 first.

Be careful. Big Sandy warns families about scam calls demanding bond payments. The detention center itself never collects bond; only the circuit clerk does, in person or through ePay. Hang up, then confirm any request by phoning 606-297-5245 or 606-297-9567 directly before sending anything.

No. In Paintsville relatives and friends deal with the circuit clerk (606-297-9567) or Big Sandy Regional (606-297-5245) directly, because Kentucky law outlaws commercial bail bonding (KRS 431.510). The court holds the money, and the deposit largely comes back after the case closes as long as every court date was kept.

Soon after booking at Big Sandy on 3rd Street (606-297-5245), a Pretrial Services officer interviews the defendant, verifies residence, work and record, and produces a score estimating flight and new-arrest risk (KRS 431.515). A low score favors release without posting money (KRS 431.066).

The Paintsville clerk (606-297-9567) can tell you which form was ordered. Options open to the judge include a personal promise to return, an unsecured bond, a 10 percent deposit (KRS 431.530), paying the full figure, or pledging land valued at twice that amount (KRS 431.535). Someone close to the defendant can also sign as surety instead of paying (KRS 431.520).

A Paintsville district judge sets the amount, which the clerk (606-297-9567) can read back. Judges must weigh what the accused can actually afford (KRS 431.525), and jailing someone for a mere violation is disfavored (KRS 431.062). For nonviolent misdemeanors, bail tops out at the largest possible fine plus costs. Many Class D felonies follow a uniform schedule (KRS 431.540), while domestic violence cases carry extra safeguards (KRS 431.064). Each jail day before release earns a $100 credit against bail (KRS 431.066).

Once the case is over, the clerk issues the refund. A defendant who made every hearing gets the deposit back less 10 percent, with a $5 minimum. If the case ends in dismissal or a not-guilty verdict, the fee is waived. Unpaid fines and costs are deducted beforehand. Ask 606-297-9567 about timing.

A judge can require staying away from the alleged victim, sobriety with testing, GPS monitoring or weekly reporting to an officer. Missing a hearing or violating a term invites a warrant, and bond may be forfeited 20 days after notice (KRS 431.545). A lawyer can move to adjust terms that turn out impossible to follow.

Misdemeanor prosecutions and the opening phase of felonies rest with the county attorney (225 Court Street, Paintsville, KY 41240 (606-789-8232)). Once a felony is indicted, the 24th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney (704 Broadway, Suite B, Paintsville, KY 41240 (606-788-7085)) takes over. Defendants who can't afford counsel get the Prestonsburg Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (123 East Court Street, Prestonsburg, KY 41653; 833-895-0579). Our court guide walks through each stage.

No. Federal release decisions come from the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, 1405 Greenup Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101, 606-329-2465. If ICE places a detainer, 3rd Street may keep the person as long as 48 hours past state release. Ask 606-297-5245, or search the ICE locator or BOP locator.