Scott County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Scott County Bail and Pretrial Release
Bail, bond and release in Georgetown and the rest of Scott County are handled at the Scott County Detention Center, 130 North Court Street, Georgetown, KY 40324; call 502-863-7880. Georgetown officers, Scott deputies, Post 12 troopers and the small Sadieville and Stamping Ground departments all book there. The jail takes cash bonds up to $10,000 at any hour, and a $50 booking fee applies.
What is the first step to get someone out?
Look the person up on the jail roster, then phone 502-863-7880. Staff can confirm the bond figure and whether it is cash, property or a release on recognizance. A few charges wait for a judge before any bond is set. Ask whether a detainer from elsewhere exists, since that blocks release.
↑ Back to the question listWhere do Scott County bonds get paid?
Cash bonds of $10,000 or less are taken at the jail around the clock. Property bonds are handled at the Justice Center (Scott County Justice Center, 119 North Hamilton Street, Georgetown, KY 40324) by the clerk's office, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., phone 502-863-0474. Save the receipt; you will need it for the refund.
↑ Back to the question listCan a bondsman post bail in Georgetown?
No one can. In Georgetown the deposit is paid at the circuit clerk's office (502-863-0474) or the detention center (502-863-7880), since Kentucky law makes commercial bail bonding illegal (KRS 431.510). Families pay the court themselves and can get most of it back.
↑ Back to the question listHow do pretrial officers help?
At the Georgetown detention center (502-863-7880), pretrial services screens new bookings and gives the judge a risk rating (KRS 431.515). Kentucky favors nonfinancial release for lower-risk defendants (KRS 431.066). The judge may still set money bail or add supervision, such as phone check-ins.
↑ Back to the question listWhat are the bond options?
Scott judges can release someone on recognizance, with only a signature, or on unsecured bail that Georgetown collects only after a skipped hearing. They can also require ten percent of the bond posted in cash (KRS 431.530), the entire amount in cash, which the jail accepts up to $10,000, or a real property bond filed at the clerk's office (KRS 431.535).
Judges can approve an unpaid relative as surety (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listHow do judges choose an amount?
In Georgetown the district judge fixes the bond, which the clerk (502-863-0474) can confirm after entry. State law calls for bail that matches the defendant's means and is not oppressive (KRS 431.525). Violation charges almost never end in jail (KRS 431.062). Misdemeanor bail without injury stays within the fine and costs. Lower felonies follow a statewide grid (KRS 431.540). Domestic violence cases weigh the victim's safety (KRS 431.064). On many charges, each day served counts as $100 toward bail.
↑ Back to the question listDo I get the bond back?
Yes, once the case closes and every date was kept. The clerk withholds 10 percent, at least $5, and mails the rest. When charges go away or a jury acquits, all of the money is returned. Outstanding fines and costs come off the top; call 502-863-0474 for a balance.
↑ Back to the question listWhat release conditions are common?
Scott judges may bar contact with certain people, ban alcohol, require drug testing or GPS, or have the person report in. Missing a hearing means a bench warrant and loss of bond 20 days after notice (KRS 431.545). Ask the court to adjust a condition you cannot meet.
↑ Back to the question listWho are the attorneys on Scott cases?
Scott shares the 14th Judicial Circuit with Bourbon and Woodford. The Scott County Attorney's office is at 198 East Washington Street, Georgetown, KY 40324 (502-863-7870). The Commonwealth's Attorney is at 120 North Hamilton Street, Georgetown, KY 40324 (859-873-4797). The Georgetown Trial Office of the public defender (1031 Lexington Road, Suite A, Georgetown, KY 40324; 833-385-6053) represents defendants who cannot pay and can argue for lower bond.
↑ Back to the question listDoes a Scott bond do anything for a federal charge or ICE detainer?
Ask the Georgetown detention center (502-863-7880) which holds are attached; the U.S. Marshals' Lexington office is at 859-436-6750 and ICE's Louisville office at 502-625-6202. Federal charges from here go to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, 101 Barr Street, Lexington, KY 40507, 859-233-2503, and no state bond touches them. Immigration detainers can extend jail time by up to 48 hours past release. Check the ICE finder and the federal prison locator, and read our court guide.
↑ Back to the question listScott County Detention Center
Address:
130 N. Court Street
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone:
502-863-7880
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Scott County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Scott County?
Who can set bail in Scott County?
When is bail set in Scott County Kentucky?
Does Scott 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 Scott County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott County Detention Center for contact information about the jails in Scott County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Scott 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 Scott County Detention Center for more information about the jails in Scott 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 Scott 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.