Livingston County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Livingston County Bail and Pretrial Release
Bail that gets a Livingston prisoner released is posted in Smithland or Paducah, since prisoners cross the Tennessee River to the McCracken County Jail (400 Clarence Gaines Street, Paducah, KY 42003; 270-444-4730). The Livingston County jailer's office oversees taking people to Paducah. Bail is paid at home in Smithland, at the Livingston County Justice Center, 122 W. Adair St., Smithland, KY 42081 (270-928-2172). Livingston joins Caldwell, Lyon and Trigg in the 56th Judicial Circuit.
1. How do I learn the bail amount?
Call the jail in Paducah at 270-444-4730 and give the legal name plus birth date; McCracken books its own arrests too, so specify Livingston. Ask for the charge, the bail and the case number for the clerk. If arraignment hasn't taken place, the judge may not have set bail yet, and the Smithland clerk at 270-928-2172 knows the schedule.
↑ Back to the question list2. Which payments does the Smithland clerk accept?
Cash, money orders, checks and ePay, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Out-of-state payers need a cashier's check rather than a personal one. Phone 270-928-2172 beforehand to confirm the precise amount, because the clerk can't take less than the full figure set by the judge.
↑ Back to the question list3. Can I hire a bondsman?
No. Pay the Adair Street clerk (270-928-2172) or the McCracken jail (270-444-4730). For-profit bail bonding is illegal throughout Kentucky (KRS 431.510). Livingston relatives deal directly with the Justice Center, and the deposit, less the clerk's fee, comes back at the finish, assuming perfect attendance.
↑ Back to the question list4. How does the pretrial risk review work?
It happens at the Paducah jail (270-444-4730). An officer from Pretrial Services talks with each person shortly after booking, confirms where they live and work, reviews prior charges, and scores the risk of nonappearance and rearrest (KRS 431.515). Low-risk results favor release without money, moderate ones supervision (KRS 431.066). Some small offenses end in a citation.
↑ Back to the question list5. Which bail options exist?
The Smithland clerk (270-928-2172) has the judge's order on file. A Livingston judge can choose personal recognizance, an unsecured bond requiring only a signature, a 10 percent deposit (KRS 431.530), cash in full, or real property worth twice the bail (KRS 431.535). An approved relative may also stand as surety and pay nothing (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question list6. What does state law say about the amount?
The Livingston clerk (270-928-2172) has the figure set. Courts must consider the defendant's means (KRS 431.525), and a violation alone is presumed to warrant release (KRS 431.062). For misdemeanors without injury, bail is capped at the highest fine plus costs. Kentucky presets bail for listed lower-grade Class D felonies (KRS 431.540), and domestic violence and sex offense charges require a review of victim safety (KRS 431.064). Time in custody is credited at $100 per day (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question list7. When does a deposit get refunded?
After the case closes, if the defendant met every court date. Ten percent stays with the clerk, with a $5 minimum. A dismissal or acquittal returns everything. Fines, costs or restitution still due may be deducted before the refund issues. Call 270-928-2172 to check on it.
↑ Back to the question list8. What release conditions are common here?
Orders can include avoiding contact with a victim, alcohol or drug screens, GPS or regular reporting. An absence from court can prompt a warrant, plus forfeiture following 20 days' notice (KRS 431.545). When a condition can't be met, the defense lawyer should ask the judge for a change before any violation occurs.
↑ Back to the question list9. Which attorneys take part in a bail case?
The Livingston County Attorney (321 Court St., Smithland, KY 42081 (270-928-2880)) prosecutes misdemeanors and the early stages of felonies. Indicted felonies go to the 56th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney in Eddyville (248 Commerce St., Eddyville, KY 42038 (270-388-9494)). Defendants who can't afford a lawyer are represented by the Paducah Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (405 Clarence Gaines St., Paducah, KY 42003; 833-895-0577). Our court guide lays out the process.
↑ Back to the question list10. Does a Livingston bond clear federal or ICE holds?
No. The U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 501 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001, 270-415-6400 decides federal release separately. ICE may ask the jail in Paducah to hold someone up to 48 hours after state release, so call 270-444-4730 about holds before paying. Check the ICE detainee locator and federal inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listLivingston County Jail
Address:
400 South 7th Street
Smithland, KY 42003
Phone:
270-444-4730
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Livingston County
Does Livingston County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Livingston County?
Who can set bail in Livingston County?
When is bail set in Livingston County Kentucky?
Does Livingston 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 Livingston County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston County Jail for contact information about the jails in Livingston County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Livingston 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 Livingston County Jail for more information about the jails in Livingston 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 Livingston 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.