Ohio County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Ohio County Bail and Pretrial Release
Ohio County runs its own Ohio County Detention Center in Hartford (108 E. Washington St., Hartford, KY 42347; 270-298-4455), where people arrested in the county wait on bail or bond for release; payment is made with the circuit clerk a few doors down at the Ohio County Community Center, 130 E. Washington St., Hartford, KY 42347 (270-298-3671). The county is in the 38th Judicial Circuit with Butler and Hancock.
How do I find out what bail is on a Hartford arrest?
Call the detention center at 270-298-4455 and supply the legal name and birth date. The jail also holds state and out-of-county prisoners, so mention the arresting agency, whether that's Hartford, Beaver Dam or a deputy. The booking desk reads off the charge and, after a judge acts, the bail; the clerk at 270-298-3671 knows the arraignment schedule.
↑ Back to the question listHow can bond be paid to the Hartford clerk?
The circuit clerk takes cash, cashier's checks, money orders, cards with a processing fee, and ePay. The counter at 130 E. Washington St., Hartford, KY 42347, is open 8 to 4 Monday through Friday. A quick call to 270-298-3671 confirms the amount and which payment type that bond allows.
↑ Back to the question listCan a bonding company help in Ohio County?
No, not legally. Hartford families post bond with the circuit clerk (270-298-3671) on their own, since Kentucky outlawed commercial bail bonding (KRS 431.510). Perfect attendance through the final hearing gets nearly all of it back.
↑ Back to the question listIs free release possible for Ohio County defendants?
Yes. At the Hartford detention center (270-298-4455), a Pretrial Services officer meets each new arrestee, verifies background facts and submits a risk score to the judge (KRS 431.515). For a lower score the law favors release on a promise to return, and a middle score can add supervision (KRS 431.066). Minor offenses may get a citation in place of an arrest.
↑ Back to the question listWhich bond types appear in Ohio County orders?
Hartford judges, whose bond orders are kept by the clerk at 270-298-3671, may grant recognizance, an unsecured bond signed without payment, a 10 percent cash deposit (KRS 431.530), full cash, or property valued at twice the bail (KRS 431.535). A family member approved by the court may act as surety free of charge (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listWhat does state law say about bail amounts?
A Hartford judge setting bail, with the clerk at 270-298-3671 recording it, must weigh what the defendant can actually pay (KRS 431.525), and violation charges come with a presumption of release (KRS 431.062). Misdemeanors that hurt no one can't be bailed above the highest fine plus court costs. A long list of Class D felonies uses a fixed schedule (KRS 431.540), and victim safety is weighed in domestic violence and sex offense cases (KRS 431.064). Each day in jail before release earns a $100 credit against bail (KRS 431.066).
↑ Back to the question listHow does a bond refund work?
When the case is finished and no hearing was missed, the clerk keeps a 10 percent fee (minimum $5) and sends the remainder. Dismissed or acquitted cases receive the whole deposit. Unpaid fines, costs or restitution may be taken out of the refund. Call 270-298-3671 to ask about processing time.
↑ Back to the question listWhat release terms can a Hartford judge set?
A Hartford release order can keep the defendant away from the accuser and add alcohol or drug testing, GPS monitoring or regular check-ins. Skipping a hearing exposes the defendant to arrest, and once 20 days' notice runs out the bond may be forfeited (KRS 431.545). Defense counsel can file to modify terms nobody could realistically meet.
↑ Back to the question listWho are the lawyers on a case here?
Misdemeanors and the early stages of felonies belong to the Ohio County Attorney (130 E. Washington St., Suite 101, Hartford, KY 42347 (270-298-4478)). After indictment, felonies move to the 38th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney in Morgantown (201 E. Ohio St., Suite 3, Morgantown, KY 42261 (270-526-3871)). Defendants without means are represented by the Owensboro Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (920 Frederica St., Suite 1006, Owensboro, KY 42301; 833-514-8980). See our court guide for the full process.
↑ Back to the question listDoes Ohio County bail end a federal or ICE hold?
No. Federal matters are decided in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 423 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301, 270-689-4400. Under an immigration detainer, the detention center in Hartford may keep the person up to 48 hours after state release, so ask 270-298-4455 whether any hold exists before posting. Use the ICE detainee locator and federal inmate locator to follow those cases.
↑ Back to the question listOhio County Detention Center
Address:
108 E. Washington Street
Hartford, KY 42347
Phone:
270-298-4455
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Ohio County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ohio County?
Who can set bail in Ohio County?
When is bail set in Ohio County Kentucky?
Does Ohio 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 Ohio County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio County Detention Center 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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio County Detention Center for contact information about the jails in Ohio County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Ohio 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 Ohio County Detention Center for more information about the jails in Ohio 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 Ohio 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.