Owsley County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Owsley County Bail and Pretrial Release
Bail that releases an Owsley prisoner is posted in Booneville or at Three Forks, since the county does not run a jail. Adults arrested here are taken to the Three Forks Regional Jail, 2221 Fairground Ridge Road, Beattyville, KY 41311, phone 606-464-2598, a regional jail in Lee County that holds people from other counties as well. Bond is still a Booneville matter. The circuit clerk at the Owsley County Courthouse, 20 Main St., Booneville, KY 41314 takes payment, and Owsley is part of the 23rd Judicial Circuit with Estill and Lee.
1. Who knows the bail figure?
Call Three Forks at 606-464-2598 or look at the roster. Say the arrest was in Owsley, since the jail holds people from other counties, and give the birth date. If the judge hasn't acted yet, the pretrial report may still be pending, so call again later.
↑ Back to the question list2. Where is bond paid?
Bond goes to the circuit clerk, whose office is in the Owsley County Courthouse, 20 Main St., Booneville, KY 41314. Circuit cases use 606-593-6226 and district cases use 606-593-6529. Call first to confirm the amount and what forms of payment are taken, and bring a photo ID. ePay takes some court costs online too. Keep the receipt.
↑ Back to the question list3. Can the regional jail accept the bond?
Ask Three Forks (606-464-2598); the Booneville clerk (606-593-6226) always can. Kentucky allows a jailer to take bail for a $5 fee when the local fiscal court approves (KRS 431.5305). Because the jail is in another county, call 606-464-2598 before driving and ask if it can take an Owsley bond. If not, the payment goes to the Booneville clerk.
↑ Back to the question list4. Can a bondsman post bail?
No. Pay the Main Street clerk in Booneville (606-593-6226) or Three Forks (606-464-2598). Paid bail bonding is against Kentucky law (KRS 431.510). Family members post with the court themselves and pay no company fee. If the defendant comes to every hearing, a cash deposit, less the clerk's fee, is refunded when the case ends.
↑ Back to the question list5. Who decides release after an arrest?
An Owsley judge, after screening at Three Forks (606-464-2598). A pretrial officer interviews the person soon after booking and rates the chance of missing court or a new arrest (KRS 431.515). A judge makes the ruling using that score. Low-risk defendants can be released on a promise (KRS 431.066). Small offenses may get only a citation.
↑ Back to the question list6. What bail options exist?
A Booneville judge may accept a signed promise, set unsecured bail that is owed only if the defendant skips court. The judge can also set a 10 percent cash deposit (KRS 431.530), full cash, or a property bond with equity twice the amount (KRS 431.535).
A relative may sign as surety without charge if the court agrees (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question list7. Does state law limit bail?
Yes; the Booneville district clerk (606-593-6529) has the figure set. The amount must fit the defendant's means (KRS 431.525), and lockup over a plain violation is disfavored (KRS 431.062). For nonviolent misdemeanors, bail is no more than the fine plus costs. For lots of Class D felonies, judges use one uniform statewide number (KRS 431.540). Domestic violence and sex crimes add safety steps for victims (KRS 431.064). Jail time is credited at $100 a day.
↑ Back to the question list8. When does a deposit come back?
After the final hearing, if none were missed. The clerk keeps a 10 percent fee, no less than $5, unless charges were dismissed or the person was acquitted. Unpaid court debts on the case come off the top. Ask the Booneville clerk at 606-593-6226 about timing.
↑ Back to the question list9. What release conditions might apply?
A judge may order no contact with a victim, sobriety, drug tests, a monitor or regular check-ins. Breaking these rules or skipping court can lead to a new arrest, and a bond can be forfeited 20 days after notice (KRS 431.545). A defense lawyer can ask to change rules that are hard to follow.
↑ Back to the question list10. Does Owsley bail cover federal charges or ICE holds?
It does not. Ask Three Forks (606-464-2598); London marshals: 606-864-6993; ICE: 502-625-6202. A federal judge at the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, 310 South Main Street, London, KY 40741, 606-877-7910 handles release on federal counts, and immigration agents may request two extra days of custody after the state lets go. Call 606-464-2598, then search the ICE detainee search or BOP locator.
↑ Back to the question listOwsley County Jail
Address:
2221 Fairgrounds Ridge Rd
Beattyville, KY 41311
Phone:
606-464-2598
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Owsley County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Owsley County?
Who can set bail in Owsley County?
When is bail set in Owsley County Kentucky?
Does Owsley 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 Owsley County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Owsley 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 Owsley 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 Owsley 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 Owsley 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 Owsley 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 Owsley 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 Owsley 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 Owsley County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Owsley 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 Owsley 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 Owsley County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Owsley 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 Owsley 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 Owsley County Jail for contact information about the jails in Owsley County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Owsley 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 Owsley County Jail for more information about the jails in Owsley 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 Owsley 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.