McCracken County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search the jail roster, then confirm the bond with the jail at 270-444-4730. Ask too whether the person has any hold from another county or agency. If the judge has not ruled, call again after the pretrial interview is done. Write down the booking number so each call goes faster.

The circuit clerk's payment rules say bond must be paid in cash. The clerk is in the McCracken County Courthouse, 300 Clarence Gaines Street, Paducah, KY 42003; the criminal district line is 270-575-7272, and circuit court is 270-575-7280. The jail lists a $5 bond fee and a $30 booking fee on top of the bond itself.

No. Paducah families deal with the circuit clerk (270-575-7272) and the jail on Clarence Gaines Street (270-444-4730) directly, because Kentucky outlaws bail bonding for profit (KRS 431.510). With a judge's approval, a family member may sign as surety at no charge (KRS 431.520).

Each person booked at the Paducah jail (270-444-4730) is interviewed by a pretrial officer and gets a risk score (KRS 431.515), and low scores usually mean release without cash (KRS 431.066). The judge also weighs the charge and past record. Higher scores can bring a money bond or supervision with check-ins, testing or a monitor.

A Paducah judge can use recognizance, which is a promise to return, or an unsecured bond. The judge can also require a 10 percent deposit (KRS 431.530), full cash, or property (KRS 431.535).

The judge's order lists which applies and any added conditions.

A Paducah district judge fixes the amount, and the clerk's office (270-575-7272) can confirm it. The statute says bail cannot be more than needed and should fit the person's money (KRS 431.525). Violations rarely lead to a jail stay (KRS 431.062). For a misdemeanor where nobody was hurt, the fine plus costs caps bail. Many minor felonies follow a set state schedule (KRS 431.540). Victim safety comes first in domestic violence and sex cases (KRS 431.064). Many charges also allow a credit of $100 for each day already served in jail.

Attend each hearing and McCracken's clerk repays the deposit when the case wraps up, with 10 percent held back ($5 minimum). Nothing is held back after a dismissal or acquittal. Court debts can be paid out of it first, so ask the clerk what will come back.

The jail charges people sentenced in District Court $20 per day. Unpaid jail fees can be taken from the inmate's account or billed after release. These charges are apart from bond, and paying bond does not clear them. Ask the jail for a written balance at release so there are no surprises later.

Possible release terms include no contact, no alcohol, drug tests, GPS and check-ins. A no-show triggers a bench warrant, with forfeiture 20 days after notice (KRS 431.545). Write down every court date and keep the paperwork.

McCracken alone makes up the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Its county attorney sits at the courthouse, 1st floor, 300 Clarence Gaines Street, Paducah, KY 42003 (270-444-4709), and the Commonwealth's Attorney is at the courthouse, 2nd floor, 300 Clarence Gaines Street, Paducah, KY 42003 (270-575-7402). If you cannot pay a lawyer, request the Paducah Trial Office of the public defender (405 Clarence Gaines Street, Paducah, KY 42003; 833-895-0577), which can ask the judge to reconsider the bond amount at a hearing.

Yes. Paducah is home to a Western District federal court, the U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 501 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001, 270-415-6400, and state bond does not reach federal charges. An ICE detainer can add up to 48 hours past release, so ask before paying. See the ICE finder, the federal prison locator or our court guide.