Whitley County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Whitley County Bail and Pretrial Release
Paying bail and getting someone released after a Williamsburg or Corbin-area arrest takes a stop at the circuit clerk (606-549-2973) in the Whitley County Judicial Center, 100 Main Street, Williamsburg, KY 40769, where the bond is collected. The person is held at the Whitley County Detention Center, 1439 West Highway 92, Williamsburg, KY 40769, phones 606-549-6013 and 606-549-6027, mail to P.O. Box 179, Williamsburg, KY 40769; Whitley and McCreary share the 34th Judicial Circuit.
What is the first call after a local arrest?
Phone the detention center at 606-549-6013 or 606-549-6027, or open the inmate list. Write down the charge, the amount the judge set, and any case number. A pretrial officer reviews every new booking, and a low-risk person can be released on their own word before family pays anything.
↑ Back to the question listWhere does bail money go in Whitley County?
Deposits are taken by the circuit clerk's staff on Main Street in Williamsburg (Whitley County Judicial Center, 100 Main Street, Williamsburg, KY 40769, 606-549-2973). Ask the clerk which kinds of payment it accepts for bond before you drive over, since bond rules can be stricter than rules for fines. Bring photo ID and the defendant's full name, and keep the receipt.
↑ Back to the question listIs there a bail bondsman in Corbin or Williamsburg?
No, so families pay the Williamsburg circuit clerk (606-549-2973) directly. Kentucky outlawed commercial bail bonding (KRS 431.510), so no company can post bond for a fee in Whitley County or anywhere else in the state. The deposit is paid straight to the court. That also means the money can come back to the person who paid it.
↑ Back to the question listWhat does a local pretrial officer check?
A Pretrial Services officer interviews new arrivals at the Whitley County Detention Center (606-549-6013) and weighs the current charge, past convictions and how reliably the person has come to court before (KRS 431.515). People rated low risk are normally freed without money (KRS 431.066). Those rated moderate may be let go under supervision. Low-level offenses may just bring a ticket.
↑ Back to the question listWhat bond types might a local judge set?
The circuit clerk (606-549-2973) can say which form a Williamsburg judge chose. On recognizance the defendant signs and pays nothing, while unsecured bail costs money solely if court dates are skipped. A judge can also take a cash deposit of 10 percent (KRS 431.530), require the full amount in cash, or accept real estate worth double the bail (KRS 431.535).
With court approval, family members may sign as free sureties (KRS 431.520).
↑ Back to the question listHow high can bail go in Whitley County?
A Whitley District judge sets it, and the circuit clerk (606-549-2973) can tell you the figure. The amount must fit the person's means (KRS 431.525), and a violation by itself seldom justifies custody (KRS 431.062). Misdemeanor bail without injury cannot top the maximum fine and costs. A uniform schedule sets some Class D felony bail (KRS 431.540). For many offenses, time already served is credited at $100 a day.
↑ Back to the question listWhen is bail money returned?
Money comes back after the last hearing if the defendant missed none. The clerk keeps 10 percent, at least $5, unless the case was dismissed or ended in acquittal, which means a full refund. Unpaid fines or costs can be taken out first. Call 606-549-2973 with the receipt to check on timing.
↑ Back to the question listWhat release conditions are common?
Judges can add no-contact terms, sobriety, drug screens, GPS bracelets or reporting. Skipping a Williamsburg hearing invites a warrant; forfeiture of the deposit may follow 20 days after notice (KRS 431.545). If a rule keeps someone from working, defense counsel may file to modify it.
↑ Back to the question listWho is in the courtroom at a Whitley bail hearing?
The county attorney's office is at 218 North Main Street, Corbin, KY 40701, 606-528-5252. The 34th Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney, covering Whitley and McCreary, is at 368 Penny Lane, Suite B, Williamsburg, KY 40769, 606-539-0800. Low-income defendants are assigned the London Trial Office (217 S. Main Street, Suite 201, London, KY 40741; 833-205-0826); its attorneys can press for a smaller bond. See our court guide for each step.
↑ Back to the question listDoes Whitley bail settle a federal case or an ICE hold?
No. A Whitley bond carries no weight at the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, 310 South Main Street, London, KY 40741, 606-877-7910, where federal charges are filed. Check for an immigration detainer before paying, since a detainer lets ICE request an extra hold of up to 48 hours past release. Call 606-549-6013 and search the ICE finder or federal prison locator.
↑ Back to the question listWhitley County Detention Center
Address:
1439 West Highway 92
Williamsburg, KY 40769
Phone:
606-549-6013
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Whitley County
Does Whitley County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Whitley County?
Who can set bail in Whitley County?
When is bail set in Whitley County Kentucky?
Does Whitley 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 Whitley County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Whitley 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 Whitley 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 Whitley 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 Whitley 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 Whitley 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 Whitley 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 Whitley 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 Whitley County court system.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Whitley 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 Whitley 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 Whitley County Kentucky?
Yes, your attorney can file a request for bail adjustment with the District Court Judge assigned to the case.
In Whitley 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 Whitley 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 Whitley County Detention Center for contact information about the jails in Whitley County or the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Whitley 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 Whitley County Detention Center for more information about the jails in Whitley 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 Whitley 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.