Nicholas County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Nicholas County

Kentucky • Nicholas County • Bail & bond help

Nicholas County bail and bond: the regional jail in Paris and the clerk in Carlisle

Nicholas County does not run its own working jail. Adults arrested here are taken to the Bourbon County Regional Detention Center, 101 Legion Road, Paris, in the next county. Look the person up with Nicholas County Inmate Search to see custody and bail details. The number listed for the Paris jail is 859-987-2137. Your court papers are in Carlisle, where the circuit clerk answers at 859-289-2336. That makes two places, and both matter.

Why is my family member in Paris and not in Carlisle?

Nicholas County sends its prisoners to a regional jail run with Bourbon, Harrison and Robertson counties. A 2019 regional-jail list names Nicholas among the counties using it, and a county without its own jail still pays for the bed. Confirm the move with the sheriff's office or by calling 859-987-2137.

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How do I check whether someone is in custody?

Use Nicholas County Inmate Search first. It shows who is booked and often the charge and bail line. A person arrested in the last hour may not be listed. If the page is blank, call the Paris jail at 859-987-2137 with the full name and birth date, and ask if the person is still at a police station.

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Which building takes the bond, Paris or Carlisle?

Two places can handle it. The Paris jail takes bond at the facility, so call 859-987-2137 before the drive to learn its hours. The Nicholas Circuit Clerk in Carlisle handles court-side payments during office hours. Ask 859-289-2336 what the court accepts for a bond.

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When is the Carlisle clerk open, and what does it take?

The Nicholas Circuit Clerk works in the Judicial Center, 217 N. Broadway, Carlisle, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office lists cash, check with ID, and money order, plus online ePay. Sandye Watkins is the clerk. Call 859-289-2336 before you go.

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How much will bond be?

Kentucky does not publish one dollar chart that covers every charge, so the judge names a figure in each case. Pretrial Services, a state office open every day, interviews arrestees within 24 hours and recommends release. Low-risk people accused of minor, nonviolent charges can be freed on their word. Otherwise the figure is on the booking record.

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Do I pay everything up front?

Not necessarily. A Kentucky judge may pick a signed promise, an unsecured bond, a cash deposit of 10 percent (at least $10), full cash, or real estate. The 10 percent route is closed for traffic, boating, and fish and wildlife offenses on the schedule. Ask 859-289-2336 what the judge ordered.

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Can the days in jail lower what I owe?

Yes, for many charges. KRS 431.066 gives a $100 credit for each day or part of a day a person is held before trial, until the credit covers the bail. Certain sex and violent offenses are excluded. The jail tracks the count, so ask the Paris desk at 859-987-2137 for the total.

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Is my land or house accepted for a property bond?

The property must be in Kentucky and worth at least twice the bail, with enough equity left after debts. The owner signs a sworn list of liens and ownership. The clerk then records a lien where the land sits, and the owner pays the recording fee. Call 859-289-2336 to learn what the Nicholas court wants brought.

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Does Kentucky have bail bond companies?

The law is strict. KRS 431.510 bans giving bail for pay outside a licensed bondsman's business and limits charity bail funds, which cannot post $5,000 or more or bail someone charged with domestic violence. For most families the safe routes are cash, the 10 percent deposit, or property. Do not pay a stranger who phones or texts.

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What happens at the first court date?

A judge reviews the charge and release terms. Nicholas shares the 18th Judicial District; Gregory Coulson is the District Judge, who hears misdemeanors and early felony steps. If someone sits jailed 24 hours because terms were unmet, the judge must review them (RCr 4.38). Court dates are on file with the clerk at 859-289-2336.

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Why does the jail record say no bond or hold?

Reasons include a capital charge, a probation hold, a warrant from another county, or an offense on the state's list that needs a judge to decide first. Assault, sex offense and protective order cases first go through the victim-safety review in KRS 431.064. Ask the clerk at 859-289-2336 for the written order.

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What if Carlisle police or the sheriff made the arrest?

The arresting officer can tell you the charge and where the person was taken. Carlisle is the county seat. The booking will normally appear at the regional jail, so check Nicholas County Inmate Search the same day. If it does not, call 859-987-2137.

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Can a child be held in the Paris jail?

No. A child is handled in juvenile court, and names do not appear in the adult search. Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice runs eight regional youth centers that take court-ordered children from every county. A detention hearing must come within 24 hours for a status offense or 48 hours for a public offense, weekends and holidays excluded. Phone 859-289-2336.

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Who is the free lawyer for Nicholas County?

The Department of Public Advocacy Cynthiana Trial Office serves Nicholas, Harrison, Pendleton and Robertson counties at 59 East Ridge Road, Suite 2, Cynthiana. Its phone is 833-254-2460. If hiring a lawyer is out of reach, say so when you first stand before the judge.

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Are there fees besides the bond itself?

KRS 64.005 adds a $25 filing fee to a bond, and the Supreme Court's release order bars holding anyone only because it is unpaid. Regional jails may add their own booking costs, so ask the desk at 859-987-2137 for a full total. Keep every receipt with the case number written on it.

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How do I avoid a bond scam?

No court or jail frees someone for a gift card, app transfer, or crypto. Use only the numbers on this page: the jail at 859-987-2137 and the clerk at 859-289-2336. A caller who says to pay within minutes is a warning sign. Hang up and call the jail yourself.

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What if they miss court?

The judge can issue a warrant and change the release terms, and posted security may be lost. Call the clerk at 859-289-2336 the same day to learn the next step, and speak with a lawyer.

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Nicholas County bond contacts

Jail used
Bourbon County Regional Detention Center, 101 Legion Road, Paris, KY 40361; 859-987-2137
Bond guide
Regional detention center bond instructions
Custody lookup
Nicholas County Inmate Search
Circuit clerk
Nicholas County Judicial Center, 217 N. Broadway, Carlisle, KY 40311; 859-289-2336; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Public defender
Cynthiana Trial Office, 59 East Ridge Road, Suite 2, Cynthiana; 833-254-2460
Juvenile
Department of Juvenile Justice regional centers; ask the court worker through the clerk which one holds a child

Jail hours and bond rules for the regional jail are posted in different places and change, so confirm each one by phone. This guide cannot replace a Kentucky lawyer who knows your case.

Nicholas County Jail

Address:
Nicholas County Jail
Paris, KY

Phone:

859-987-2137

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Nicholas County


Does Nicholas County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Nicholas County?

Who can set bail in Nicholas County?

When is bail set in Nicholas County Kentucky?


 

 

Does Nicholas 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 Nicholas County court system.


 

 

What kind of bonds are accepted in Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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 Nicholas County court system.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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 Nicholas County Kentucky? 

Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.

In Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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 Nicholas County Jail for contact information about the jails in Nicholas County or the Clerk of Court.

What options are there to pay bail in Nicholas 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 Nicholas County Jail for more information about the jails in Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Nicholas County