McLean County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
McLean County Bail and Pretrial Release
Bail to have a McLean arrestee released is posted in Calhoun or Greenville, where arrestees are driven to the Muhlenberg County Detention Center (108 Court Row, Greenville, KY 42345; 270-338-2263). The McLean County jailer's office oversees taking people to Greenville. Bail goes to the circuit clerk in Calhoun at the McLean County Courthouse Annex, 210 E. Main St., Calhoun, KY 42327 (270-273-3966 or 270-273-5055). The 45th Judicial Circuit joins McLean and Muhlenberg.
Who can quote bail for a Calhoun arrest?
Jail staff in Greenville at 270-338-2263, after the judge sets it. Muhlenberg books its own residents as well, so explain that McLean made the arrest and provide a birthday and full legal name. Staff can read the charge and the dollar figure. For the arraignment date, ring the Calhoun clerk at 270-273-3966.
↑ Back to the question listWhich payment methods work at the Calhoun annex?
At the Calhoun window currency, checks and money orders are accepted, and cards cost extra; some balances also go through ePay. Hours are 8 to 4:30 on weekdays, and after-hours bonds need an appointment. Call 270-273-3966 or 270-273-5055 to set that up and confirm the total.
↑ Back to the question listCan a McLean family hire a bail agent?
No. Pay the Main Street annex clerk (270-273-3966) or the Muhlenberg jail (270-338-2263). The state banned commercial bail outright (KRS 431.510). Relatives post directly at the annex. The court keeps the deposit during the case and gives it back, less the clerk's fee, at the end, provided the defendant made every appearance.
↑ Back to the question listIs release possible without paying?
Yes; Greenville jailers (270-338-2263) are told when screening wraps up. A Pretrial Services officer talks with each arrestee in Greenville, confirms address and work, and gives the judge a risk rating (KRS 431.515). Low ratings can earn release on recognizance; moderate ones can bring supervision (KRS 431.066). Minor offenses may be handled by citation.
↑ Back to the question listWhat bond options can a Calhoun judge set?
The McLean clerk (270-273-3966) can read back the order. Possibilities include release on one's word, an unsecured signature bond, 10 percent down (KRS 431.530), payment in full, or a property bond requiring equity worth twice the bail (KRS 431.535). A relative the judge approves may act as surety at no cost (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listWhat keeps a bail figure in check?
The Calhoun clerk (270-273-3966) has the amount set. Judges must look at finances (KRS 431.525), and those facing only violations are presumed eligible to go home (KRS 431.062). Bail on an injury-free misdemeanor can't exceed the highest fine plus costs. A statewide table governs listed Class D felonies (KRS 431.540), and victim protection counts in domestic and sex cases (KRS 431.064). Custody credit is $100 per day (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listHow does a refund work in Calhoun?
Provided all hearings were attended, the clerk returns the deposit at the end after a 10 percent fee, at least $5. Should the prosecution drop everything or a jury acquit, every dollar is returned. Outstanding court debts may be deducted. Ask 270-273-3966 for timing.
↑ Back to the question listWhat terms can come with release?
A McLean judge is free to keep the defendant away from the person named in the charge and may add drug or alcohol tests, GPS or check-ins. Failing to appear can bring a warrant, with forfeiture after 20 days' notice (KRS 431.545). A lawyer can ask to modify a term that isn't workable.
↑ Back to the question listWho are the lawyers in a McLean case?
Misdemeanors are prosecuted by the McLean County Attorney (210 Main St., Calhoun, KY 42327 (270-273-3528)), who also opens felony matters. The 45th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney in Greenville (110 E. Court Square, Greenville, KY 42345 (270-338-2240)) prosecutes indicted felonies. The Madisonville Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (1079 Thornberry Dr., Madisonville, KY 42431; 833-254-2468) defends people who can't afford a lawyer. Our court guide covers each step.
↑ Back to the question listDoes paying bail in Calhoun clear a federal or ICE hold?
No. The U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 423 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301, 270-689-4400 alone decides release on a federal charge. Where ICE has lodged a detainer, Greenville may hold the person up to 48 hours after state release, so confirm holds with 270-338-2263 before paying. Check the ICE detainee locator and federal inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listMcLean County Jail
Address:
150 Wilson Lane
Calhoun, KY 42327
Phone:
270-338-2263
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in McLean County
What kind of bonds are accepted in McLean County?
Who can set bail in McLean County?
When is bail set in McLean County Kentucky?
Does McLean 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 McLean County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County Jail for contact information about the jails in McLean County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in McLean 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 McLean County Jail for more information about the jails in McLean 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 McLean 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.