Nelson County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Nelson County Bail and Pretrial Release
Getting someone out on bail or bond after an arrest in Bardstown, New Haven or the countryside starts at the Nelson County Correctional Center, 810 West Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004; its phone is 502-348-1860. Bardstown's circuit clerk takes the bond money, and Kentucky's pretrial program decides many releases before any money changes hands.
My relative was just booked in Bardstown. Now what?
Start with the jail roster to confirm the booking and charge. Next, phone the jail at 502-348-1860 and ask what bond was set. It may be a no-cash release, a percentage deposit or the full amount. On fresh arrests the judge may not have ruled yet, so call back in a few hours.
↑ Back to the question listWhere and how is bond posted?
Go to Window 1 or 2 of the circuit clerk in the Nelson County Justice Center, 200 Nelson County Plaza, Bardstown, KY 40004, phone 502-348-3648. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, checks, and debit or credit cards, which cost extra. Do not put cash in the drop box. Property bonds need an appointment at the same number.
↑ Back to the question listCan I hire a bail bond company in this county?
No, that is not legal. In Bardstown the money goes to the circuit clerk (502-348-3648) or the correctional center (502-348-1860), with no agent in between, because Kentucky outlawed commercial bonding (KRS 431.510), so there are no bond agents. Instead, whoever posts bail deposits it with the court and recovers most of it when the case closes.
↑ Back to the question listWho screens local defendants for release?
Soon after booking at the Bardstown correctional center (502-348-1860), a Pretrial Services officer from the Administrative Office of the Courts interviews each person (KRS 431.515). It checks record, ties to the area and past court attendance. Low-risk people should usually be freed without cash (KRS 431.066). The judge has the final word.
↑ Back to the question listWhat bond options exist?
A Bardstown judge can order release on recognizance, with only a signature, or unsecured bail that Bardstown defendants pay only after missing court. Stricter terms include ten percent down in cash (KRS 431.530), full cash bail, or real estate pledged at double the bail figure, which is handled by appointment (KRS 431.535).
With court approval, a relative may act as surety at no charge (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listWhat guides the bail figure?
The bond in Bardstown is set by a district judge; once entered, the clerk (502-348-3648) can read it to you. Judges must keep bail fair and within reach of the defendant's finances (KRS 431.525). Violation-only arrests rarely lead to a jail stay (KRS 431.062). For non-injury misdemeanors, bail is capped at the maximum fine plus costs. Some Class D felony amounts come from a uniform table (KRS 431.540). Protecting victims comes first in domestic violence cases (KRS 431.064). On many charges, time in custody earns $100 a day toward bail.
↑ Back to the question listWill I get my bond deposit back?
If the defendant attends every hearing, yes. After the case, the clerk holds back 10 percent with a $5 minimum and refunds the remainder by check. Acquittal or dismissal returns all of it. Fines, fees or restitution owed can be deducted first; ask at 502-348-3648.
↑ Back to the question listWhat conditions might a judge add?
Possible orders include avoiding certain people or places, no drinking, drug screens, an ankle monitor or reporting to pretrial staff. Missing court brings a bench warrant, and the bail can be forfeited 20 days after the notice (KRS 431.545). Defense counsel may file a motion if a term is unworkable.
↑ Back to the question listWho are the attorneys in Nelson criminal cases?
Nelson is part of the 10th Judicial Circuit. The Nelson County Attorney is at 602 Bloomfield Road, Bardstown, KY 40004 (502-348-1850), and the Commonwealth's Attorney works from 201 Guthrie Drive, Suite B, Bardstown, KY 40004 (502-233-7399). Defendants who cannot pay are served by the Bullitt County Trial Office of the public defender (650 N. Buckman Street, P.O. Box 6570, Shepherdsville, KY 40165; 833-254-2465), which can push for a lower bond at the first hearing.
↑ Back to the question listDoes paying Nelson bail clear a federal or immigration hold?
No. First ask the correctional center (502-348-1860) which holds are on file; the U.S. Marshals in Louisville answer at 502-588-8000 and ICE's Louisville office at 502-625-6202. Federal cases are handled at the U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 601 West Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, 502-625-3500, and posting money in Bardstown does not touch those. If ICE filed a detainer, staff may keep the person as long as 48 hours past release. Check with the jail first, then search the ICE finder and federal prison locator. Our court guide has more.
↑ Back to the question listNelson County Jail
Address:
810 West Stephen Foster Ave.
Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone:
502-348-1860
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Nelson County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Nelson County?
Who can set bail in Nelson County?
When is bail set in Nelson County Kentucky?
Does Nelson 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 Nelson County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson County Jail for contact information about the jails in Nelson County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Nelson 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 Nelson County Jail for more information about the jails in Nelson 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 Nelson 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.