Montgomery County Regional Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Montgomery County Bail and Pretrial Release
A Mount Sterling or Montgomery County arrest leads to the Montgomery County Regional Jail, 751 Chenault Lane, Mount Sterling, KY 40353, whose main line is 859-498-8747, and bail or bond for release is paid to the circuit clerk inside the Montgomery County Courthouse, 1 Court Street, Mount Sterling, KY 40353 (859-498-5966). The county belongs to the 21st Judicial Circuit with Bath, Menifee and Rowan.
How do I find out the bail for someone at the Montgomery County Regional Jail?
Check the jail roster or call the jail at 859-498-8747. Staff will need the arrestee's exact name plus date of birth. Ask what the charge is, what bond the judge set, the case number and whether pretrial staff have weighed in yet.
↑ Back to the question listWhere is bond posted in Mount Sterling?
With the circuit clerk at the Montgomery County Courthouse, 1 Court Street, Mount Sterling, KY 40353, phone 859-498-5966. The clerk takes cash, money orders, checks (held 10 days to clear), and debit or credit cards with a fee, along with ePay online. Ask the clerk which of those work for a bond ahead of time, and carry a photo ID.
↑ Back to the question listCan I hire a bail bondsman?
No. Bond in Mount Sterling is paid to the circuit clerk (859-498-5966) or at the jail on Chenault Lane (859-498-8747); Kentucky outlawed paid bail bonding (KRS 431.510), so there are no bondsmen on Court Street. Families post the money with the clerk themselves, and the court keeps it until the case closes.
↑ Back to the question listHow does pretrial screening work after a Mount Sterling arrest?
At the Chenault Lane jail (859-498-8747), a state pretrial officer sits down with everyone booked and scores them on the charge, criminal history and any missed court dates (KRS 431.515). The judge decides. A low rating can lead to release on a promise to appear (KRS 431.066), and a middle rating can add supervision. Some minor offenses end with a citation instead of a jail stay.
↑ Back to the question listWhich bond types can a Montgomery judge pick?
A judge on Court Street (859-498-5966) may release on recognizance, which is a signed promise, or on an unsecured bond, where money changes hands only if the defendant fails to show. Other options are a 10 percent deposit (KRS 431.530), cash for the entire bail, or a property bond resting on equity of twice the bail (KRS 431.535).
A court-approved family member can also sign as surety at no charge (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listHow does Kentucky law limit bail in Mount Sterling?
Once a Mount Sterling judge sets bond, the clerk (859-498-5966) can confirm it. Those judges must think about a defendant's finances (KRS 431.525), and a violation alone rarely keeps anyone behind bars (KRS 431.062). Bail on a misdemeanor where no one got hurt can't go past the top fine and costs. A state chart sets bail for many Class D felonies (KRS 431.540). Domestic violence and sex offense charges get a victim-safety review (KRS 431.064). On many charges, every day locked up takes $100 off the bail.
↑ Back to the question listHow do I get bail money back from the Montgomery clerk?
When the case is over and every date was kept, the clerk refunds the deposit less 10 percent, with a $5 minimum. Acquittals and dismissals carry no fee. Unpaid restitution, fines or costs can come out first. Call 859-498-5966 if a refund seems slow.
↑ Back to the question listWhat conditions come with release?
A judge may forbid contact with certain people, require sobriety and drug tests, order GPS monitoring or set check-ins. Skip a hearing and a warrant follows; the court may keep the bond once 20 days pass after notice (KRS 431.545). Ask a lawyer to request changes if a condition gets in the way of a job.
↑ Back to the question listWho are the lawyers at a Mount Sterling bail hearing?
The county attorney is at 1 Court Street, Suite 1, Mount Sterling, KY 40353, 859-498-8713. The 21st Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney works from 44 West Main Street, Mount Sterling, KY 40353, 859-498-0911. People who can't pay for a lawyer get one from the Morehead Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (1225 US-60 West, Suite 104, Morehead, KY 40351; 833-514-8981), and that lawyer can ask for a lower bond. More is on our court page.
↑ Back to the question listDoes a Montgomery bond help with federal charges or an ICE detainer?
No. A case brought at the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, 101 Barr Street, Lexington, KY 40507, 859-233-2503 has its own release rules, decided only by a federal judge. With an ICE detainer on file, the county jail may keep someone up to 48 hours past release. Call 859-498-8747 before you pay, and check the ICE online locator or federal inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listMontgomery County Regional Jail
Address:
751 Chenault Lane
Mt Sterling, KY 40353
Phone:
859-498-8747
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Montgomery County
Does Montgomery County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Montgomery County?
Who can set bail in Montgomery County?
When is bail set in Montgomery County Kentucky?
Does Montgomery 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 Montgomery County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County Regional 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County Regional Jail for contact information about the jails in Montgomery County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County Regional Jail for more information about the jails in Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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.