Magoffin County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Magoffin County

Kentucky • Magoffin County • Bail & bond help

Magoffin County bail and bond: the Paintsville regional jail and the Salyersville clerk

Magoffin County does not run a jail of its own. The county belongs to the four-county authority that runs the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville, with Johnson, Lawrence, and Martin, so people arrested in Salyersville are held in another county. Use Magoffin County Inmate Search to see whether your person is booked and what the bail is. The jail desk in Paintsville answers at 606-297-5245. The circuit clerk, Tonya Ward, takes court money at the Magoffin County Justice Center and answers at 606-349-2215.

Where is my brother held if he was arrested in Salyersville?

Magoffin County sends adult prisoners to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, 904 Third Street, Paintsville, one of four member counties that share it. A 2026 news report from Paintsville confirms Magoffin sits on the jail board with Johnson, Lawrence, and Martin.

Look for him on Magoffin County Inmate Search. If the search is empty, call 606-297-5245 and ask whether he was booked there or is still with the arresting agency.

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How do I learn what bail was set?

The booking record on Magoffin County Inmate Search shows an amount when one exists. Plenty of people never get a dollar figure because Pretrial Services can release them on a promise to appear.

For an amount that is missing, ask the Paintsville desk at 606-297-5245, or call the Magoffin circuit clerk at 606-349-2215 to see whether a judge has acted.

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Where in Salyersville is bond money accepted?

The clerk's office is in the Magoffin County Justice Center, 100 East Maple Street, Salyersville, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A second clerk line is 606-349-4050.

Evenings and weekends are the hard part. The jail does not post a bond window schedule, so call the Paintsville desk before you drive and ask who can take a payment at that hour.

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What payment does the clerk accept?

The state's Magoffin County page says cash is required for a bond. Other court fees can be paid by check, money order, or credit or debit card with a fee, and ePay is open online.

Bring photo ID and the full legal name. Keep the receipt. A check will not work for a bond.

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Is there a chart of bail amounts by charge in Magoffin County?

No chart of dollar amounts turned up for this county. Kentucky has no statewide chart either; the Supreme Court's release order works from a risk score and a list of eligible offenses.

A judge or trial commissioner chooses the figure for each person, so do not trust a number a friend heard about a similar case.

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Can he get out without putting up money?

Pretrial Services runs around the clock in every Kentucky county. A specialist interviews arrested people within 24 hours, checks their record, and scores the chance of a missed court date or new offense.

People who score low or moderate on many non-violent misdemeanors and some Class D felonies can sign a promise to appear and go home. A person who says no to the interview waits for a judge. Drug felonies rated moderate on either scale are not eligible.

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How does a ten percent deposit work, and can jail days count?

A court may take a cash deposit of one tenth of the bond, never under $10. It does not apply to scheduled amounts for traffic, boating, or fish and wildlife offenses.

Kentucky also gives $100 of credit for each day or part of a day held after booking (KRS 431.066), until the credit covers the bail. The credit does not apply to people convicted of certain sex and violent offenses, or to someone the judge finds is a flight risk or a danger.

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Can we post land or a house?

Yes, if it is Kentucky real estate worth at least twice the bail, with free equity. The owner signs a sworn schedule listing the legal description, debts, and ownership. It must say the property was not used for bail in Kentucky in the last 12 months, apart from exceptions for the defendant's own land and certain relatives.

The circuit clerk sends a certified copy to the county clerk where the property is. The Commonwealth keeps a lien until the case is over. Ask the Magoffin clerk at 606-349-2215 for the forms first.

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Is a paid bondsman the answer for Magoffin families?

Be careful. KRS 431.510 describes a bail bondsman as a for-profit person or business, and it bars giving bail or surety for pay outside a licensed bondsman's business. Charitable bail groups cannot bail anyone for $5,000 or more, or anyone accused of a violent offense or domestic violence.

We do not suggest hiring one. Try Pretrial Services, the ten percent deposit, and jail credit, and ask the clerk what your judge allows.

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Which court sees him first, and how fast?

Magoffin County cases go through the Justice Center in Salyersville. District Court deals with misdemeanors and the first step in felonies. A grand jury and Circuit Court take over later for felonies.

Pretrial Services must give a judge or trial commissioner its recommendation within 24 hours of booking. A person still held after 24 hours because release terms cannot be met can ask for a review, and a judge who refuses to change them must put the reason in writing.

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Why might he be held with no bail at all?

The constitution lets a court refuse bail in capital cases when the proof is evident or the presumption great. Charges of assault, sexual offenses, or violating a protective order bring a judge's review of danger to the victim before release.

Other reasons are a probation or parole warrant, an arrest from another state, a new arrest while already on release, or a missed court date. Public drunkenness holds are brief. Someone arrested for a first drunk-driving offense stays at least 6 hours.

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Who handles an arrest by the sheriff or state police?

The Magoffin County Sheriff, Carson Montgomery, can be reached at 606-349-2914. Deputies and state troopers arrest in the county, then take adults to the Paintsville regional jail. We found no city lockup in the county.

Ask the arresting officer for a report number, because it will help the jail find the booking.

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What happens to a teenager who is picked up?

A juvenile case is separate from the adult search. Kentucky law lets the court hold a child accused of a public offense for up to 48 hours, not counting weekends and holidays, before a detention hearing, and 24 hours for a status offense. Capital offenses and Class A or B felonies can bring secure detention until the next court date.

The state's regional centers take youth from every county. Breathitt in Jackson is a boys' center in eastern Kentucky, and Boyd in Ashland takes girls. The court-designated worker and the clerk at 606-349-2215 can tell you where a child is.

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Can we get a free lawyer?

The Department of Public Advocacy's Prestonsburg Trial Office covers Magoffin, Floyd, Johnson, and Martin counties. It is at 123 East Court Street, Prestonsburg, phone 833-895-0579.

At his first appearance, tell the judge the family needs an appointed lawyer. A lawyer can press for a lower amount or a release with conditions.

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What if federal agents made the arrest?

Magoffin County lies in the Eastern District of Kentucky, which sits at Pikeville, Ashland, Lexington, and other cities. A federal case follows federal bail rules, not the county's.

Those prisoners show up in the federal inmate locator, not in the county search. Ask the federal court clerk or a court-appointed lawyer about release.

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Is a jail account deposit the same as paying bail?

No. Money for phone calls or commissary does not free anyone. Be wary of calls demanding gift cards or app payments right now to release a relative. Call 606-297-5245 yourself and ask.

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Magoffin County contacts

Jail
Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, 904 Third Street, Paintsville, KY 41240, 606-297-5245
Custody lookup
Magoffin County Inmate Search
Circuit clerk
Tonya Ward, Magoffin County Justice Center, 100 East Maple Street, Salyersville, KY 41465; 606-349-2215 or 606-349-4050; Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sheriff
Carson Montgomery, Salyersville; 606-349-2914
Jailer
Bryan Montgomery is the elected Magoffin County jailer, P.O. Box 430, Salyersville
Public defense
Prestonsburg Trial Office, 123 East Court Street, Prestonsburg; 833-895-0579
Youth detention
State regional centers: Breathitt (Jackson) for boys, Boyd (Ashland) for girls
Pretrial Services
Court of Justice statewide office, 502-573-2350

Amounts, hours, and numbers can change, and the judge on your case may order something different. Confirm with the clerk before paying anyone.

Magoffin County Jail

Address:
Magoffin County Jail
Paintsville, KY

Phone:

606-297-5245

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Magoffin County


Does Magoffin County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Magoffin County?

Who can set bail in Magoffin County?

When is bail set in Magoffin County Kentucky?


 

 

Does Magoffin 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 Magoffin County court system.


 

 

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

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

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

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

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

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Magoffin County