Mercer County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Mercer County Bail and Pretrial Release
After a Harrodsburg arrest, bail and bond are handled in Mercer County by the circuit clerk at the Mercer County Judicial Center, 224 S. Main St., Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (859-734-8452), while the person waits for release in Danville at the Boyle County Detention Center (1860 South Danville Bypass, Danville, KY 40422; 859-238-1100, ext. 300 (Alternative number: 859-238-1127)). The Mercer County jailer's office oversees taking people to Danville. Mercer and Boyle make up the 50th Judicial Circuit.
How do I get a bail figure for a Harrodsburg arrest?
Dial the jail in Danville at 859-238-1100, ext. 300 and give the legal name and birthday, noting that Mercer made the arrest; Boyle and Garrard prisoners are housed there too. Staff can report the booked charge and the bail once it's set. The Harrodsburg clerk at 859-734-8452 has arraignment times.
↑ Back to the question listWhat does the Harrodsburg clerk take for bond?
Cash, checks, money orders and ePay. Office hours run 8 to 4 Monday through Thursday and 8 to 3:30 on Friday. Before heading to South Main Street, ring 859-734-8452, since staff can verify the precise sum and say if a personal check is acceptable.
↑ Back to the question listIs a bondsman an option in Mercer?
No. Every Mercer bond is paid at the South Main Street clerk's counter (859-734-8452), because paid bonding businesses can't operate anywhere in the Commonwealth (KRS 431.510). Families deal with the clerk directly, and the bulk of that deposit flows back at the close of the case for anyone who appeared each time.
↑ Back to the question listCan a Mercer defendant be released for free?
It can happen. Soon after a Mercer arrestee reaches the Danville jail (859-238-1100, ext. 300), Pretrial Services interviews them, verifies the details and gives the judge a risk score (KRS 431.515). The law favors personal recognizance for a low score, and a moderate score can bring supervision (KRS 431.066). Police may cite instead of arrest for small offenses.
↑ Back to the question listWhich bonds might a Harrodsburg judge set?
Judges at the Harrodsburg Judicial Center (859-734-8452) pick from five kinds of bond. They can release someone on recognizance or on an unsecured bond that rests on a signature alone, or they can require a 10 percent cash deposit (KRS 431.530), full cash, or real property pledged at double the amount (KRS 431.535). The court can also accept an approved family member as surety without a fee (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listHow does Kentucky limit bail?
When a Mercer judge sets bail at the Judicial Center (859-734-8452), the defendant's ability to pay must be weighed (KRS 431.525), and violation-only defendants are presumed eligible for release (KRS 431.062). An injury-free misdemeanor can't carry bail above the maximum fine plus costs. Dozens of Class D felonies take their figure from a fixed chart (KRS 431.540), and in domestic violence and sex cases the court considers the victim's safety (KRS 431.064). Each day jailed before release earns a $100 credit against bail (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listWhen does Mercer bond money come back?
After the final hearing, if attendance was perfect. The clerk deducts 10 percent, with a $5 minimum, and returns the balance; dismissal or acquittal brings a complete refund. Anything unpaid toward court debts or restitution can be withheld from it. Check with 859-734-8452 on timing.
↑ Back to the question listWhat conditions can a Harrodsburg judge impose?
A Mercer order can keep the defendant from contacting the complaining witness and add sobriety testing, a tracking bracelet or scheduled check-ins. Not showing up for court tends to produce an arrest order, and once 20 days' notice has passed the money is at risk (KRS 431.545). If any requirement is unrealistic, a motion from the defense lawyer can get it revisited.
↑ Back to the question listWho prosecutes and defends cases in Mercer?
The Mercer County Attorney (319 S. Main St., Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (859-734-6320)) handles misdemeanors and starts felony cases. The 50th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney, a few doors away (119 S. Main St., Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (859-734-5230)), prosecutes indicted felonies. Defendants who can't afford a lawyer get the Danville Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (438 W. Walnut St., Danville, KY 40422; 833-205-0827). Our court guide walks through the steps.
↑ Back to the question listDoes Harrodsburg bail resolve a federal or ICE hold?
No. The Danville jail (859-238-1100, ext. 300) can confirm whether a federal or ICE hold sits behind the Mercer charge, and it is worth asking before paying. Federal charges are controlled by the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, 101 Barr Street, Lexington, KY 40507, 859-233-2503. With an ICE detainer, the jail may keep someone up to 48 hours past state release; ICE's Louisville office is at 502-625-6202. The ICE detainee locator and federal inmate locator show those custodies.
↑ Back to the question listMercer County Jail
Address:
Mercer County Jail
Danville, KY
Phone:
859-238-1127
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Mercer County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Mercer County?
Who can set bail in Mercer County?
When is bail set in Mercer County Kentucky?
Does Mercer 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 Mercer County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer County Jail for contact information about the jails in Mercer County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Mercer 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 Mercer County Jail for more information about the jails in Mercer 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 Mercer 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.