Union County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Union County Bail and Pretrial Release
Bail securing a Union arrestee's release is posted in Morganfield or Dixon, since the county has no working jail and arrestees are driven east to the Webster County Detention Center (141 Stegall St., Dixon, KY 42409; 270-639-7020 (Alternative number: 270-639-7032)). The Union County jailer's office oversees taking people to Dixon, in neighboring Webster County. Bond money, though, changes hands in Morganfield with the circuit clerk inside the Union County Courthouse Annex, 121 S. Morgan St., Morganfield, KY 42437 (270-389-1811). Crittenden, Union and Webster form the 5th Judicial Circuit.
Where do I learn the bail amount?
Dixon holds the paperwork, so ring 270-639-7020 with the person's legal name and birthday. Tell staff whether Morganfield, Sturgis or Uniontown officers, a Union deputy or a Post 16 trooper filed the charge, because Webster's own prisoners share the building. The Morganfield clerks, circuit 270-389-1811 and district 270-389-0800, know arraignment dates.
↑ Back to the question listHow does the South Morgan Street clerk take bond?
Cash, checks or money orders made out to the Union County Circuit Clerk are accepted, as are cards (fees added), ePay and payment by phone. Hours run 8 to 4 on weekdays. For bonds of $10,000 or more, call 270-389-1811 first so the office can prepare; the annex sits at 121 S. Morgan St., Morganfield, KY 42437.
↑ Back to the question listWill a bonding company post bond?
No. Pay the Morgan Street annex clerk (270-389-1811) or the Webster jail (270-639-7020), because KRS 431.510 abolished paid bail in Kentucky. Relatives deal directly with the Morganfield clerk, and defendants who attend faithfully recover nearly the whole amount.
↑ Back to the question listAre arrestees released without money?
Some are; Dixon's jail (270-639-7020) carries out the release when the paperwork clears. A Pretrial Services officer meets each new booking in Dixon, checks identity and record, then hands the judge a numeric risk assessment (KRS 431.515). Low ratings can mean recognizance, while moderate ones may bring monitoring (KRS 431.066). Officers can also cite minor offenders instead of making the trip to Webster County.
↑ Back to the question listWhich bond types do judges use?
Morganfield's district clerk (270-389-0800) files every bond order. Release may rest on recognizance alone, an unsecured promise to pay if the defendant vanishes, a deposit of ten percent (KRS 431.530), the full figure in cash, or land pledged at double its worth (KRS 431.535). Family sureties serve free once the court approves them (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listWhat Kentucky rules cap bail?
Morganfield's district clerk (270-389-0800) has the figure set. A defendant's means are a required consideration (KRS 431.525), and violations begin with release presumed (KRS 431.062). When a misdemeanor caused no harm to anyone, its bail is capped at the maximum fine and court costs. Fixed statutory amounts govern a list of Class D felonies (KRS 431.540), and victim safety guides bail in domestic violence and sexual offense cases (KRS 431.064). Credit of about $100 accrues per day already spent in custody.
↑ Back to the question listWhen are bond deposits refunded?
After the final hearing, assuming no court date was skipped, the Morganfield clerk keeps ten percent ($5 minimum) and refunds the balance; acquittals and dismissals get every cent back. Outstanding fines or restitution may be taken out first. Ask 270-389-1811 how long the check takes.
↑ Back to the question listWhich conditions do judges impose?
Common terms forbid contact with the alleged victim and can include drug screens, an ankle bracelet or scheduled reporting. A no-show produces a warrant, and once twenty days pass from notice the deposit is subject to forfeiture (KRS 431.545). Unrealistic conditions can be challenged by a defense motion.
↑ Back to the question listWho prosecutes and defends in Union County?
Misdemeanors and felonies before indictment are prosecuted by the Union County Attorney (107 S. Morgan St., Morganfield, KY 42437 (270-389-0591)). Indicted felonies belong to the 5th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney based in Marion (112 S. Main St., Marion, KY 42064 (270-965-1585)). The Henderson Trial Office of the Department of Public Advocacy (739 S. Main St., Henderson, KY 42420; 833-254-2463) represents people who can't pay for a lawyer. Our court guide lays out the stages.
↑ Back to the question listDoes posting a Union bond clear a federal or ICE hold?
No. Ask the Dixon jail (270-639-7020); Owensboro marshals: 270-852-2645; ICE: 502-625-6202. A federal prosecution is a separate matter in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 423 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301, 270-689-4400. With an ICE detainer, Dixon can keep someone up to 48 hours beyond state release, so ask 270-639-7020 about holds before handing over money. The ICE detainee locator and federal inmate locator follow such cases.
↑ Back to the question listUnion County Jail
Address:
Union County Jail
Morganfield, KY
Phone:
270-639-7032
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Union County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Union County?
Who can set bail in Union County?
When is bail set in Union County Kentucky?
Does Union 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 Union County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Union 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 Union 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 Union County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Union 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 Union 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 Union County Jail for contact information about the jails in Union County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Union 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 Union County Jail for more information about the jails in Union 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 Union 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.