Tipton County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Tipton County

Tennessee • Tipton County • Bail & bond help

Tipton County bail and bond: the Covington Justice Center jail

Tipton County runs its jail out of the Justice Center at 1801 S. College Street in Covington, and Corrections stays open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Tipton County jail is operated by the Sheriff's Office. Look up a booking, a charge and the bail amount on Tipton County Inmate Search, then call Corrections at 901-475-3305 for anything the page does not cover. General Sessions Court and the juvenile office are in the same building, in Suite 102.

It is 2 a.m. Can I reach someone at the Tipton County jail?

Yes. The Corrections division at the Justice Center is open around the clock, and its number is 901-475-3305. After hours, Central Dispatch answers at 901-475-4300. Start with Tipton County Inmate Search, since it may answer your question without a call.

Give the full legal name and date of birth, and ask whether a bond has been set.

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Where is the jail, and who is in charge?

The jail is inside the Justice Center, 1801 S. College Street, Suite 106, Covington, TN 38019. The Sheriff's Office operates it, and the main office line is 901-475-3300. Tipton County holds its own pretrial inmates here instead of sending them to another county.

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Does a judge or a commissioner set the bail?

A judge or magistrate sets it, with the decision tailored to the person. Tennessee Code 40-11-105 entitles anyone arrested on a bailable offense to be admitted to bail, and 40-11-106 allows an officer to accept bail only after it has been fixed. A fixed price chart cannot replace that decision.

General Sessions Court, 901-475-3310, can tell you when the first hearing is.

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What is the way to post the full cash amount?

Cash bail means the full dollar amount on the bond. Under 40-11-118(a)(1) it is deposited with the court clerk, who may accept a debit card or phone payment app and pass its fee to you. The Justice Center's court offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Circuit Court Clerk's line is 901-475-3310.

After those hours, call Corrections at 901-475-3305 and ask how a deposit is handled.

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What portion of the bond goes to a bondsman?

Under the consumer notice in Tennessee Code 40-11-151, about 10 percent of the bond for a Tennessee resident, plus a one-time $25 initiation fee and a $12 bail tax. This is the bondsman's pay, and it is not refundable.

Get a written receipt for each fee. Collateral requires an itemized receipt that tells you how to get it back.

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Is every bondsman allowed to bond out of the Tipton County jail?

Only bondsmen who hold a Board of Professional Bondsmen license (40-11-321) and are approved by the courts of the judicial district may write a bond. Tipton County sits in the Twenty-Fifth Judicial District with Fayette, Hardeman, Lauderdale and McNairy counties.

Ask to see both before you sign.

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Can we pledge a house in Covington?

Yes, as long as it is in Tennessee. Recognized bail takes four forms: cash, Tennessee real estate, two sufficient sureties who are not bondsmen or attorneys, and a professional bondsman. Property requires court review of title and mortgages, so it moves more slowly than cash, and all owners sign. Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 901-475-3310 to ask what documents are needed.

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What does the judge consider about my husband?

The factors in 40-11-118(b): time in the community, job and money, family, character and mental condition, record and past court attendance, the charge, the likely sentence and danger shown by the record. A responsible community member may vouch for him, but no one can vouch for more than two people at once.

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Is he eligible to go home on his own signature?

The court is required to look at that first. Release on a promise to appear or an unsecured bond comes ahead of money (40-11-115(b)), and any conditions must be the least onerous that work (40-11-116). Money bail applies only when lesser steps would not assure his return (40-11-117).

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Why is he still inside after we paid?

Three common causes: a capital charge, which cannot be bailed under Article I, section 15 of the Tennessee Constitution; a hold from another agency; and the waiting period after certain domestic or stalking arrests, 12 hours and up to 24 for aggravated assault with strangulation or a weapon (40-11-150). Corrections at 901-475-3305 can say which applies.

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A DUI arrest: which bond conditions apply?

The court can require an ignition interlock device when a DUI involved property damage in a crash, a child in the vehicle, a prior suspension or a prior listed conviction (40-11-118(d)). A third or later alcohol DUI adds transdermal alcohol monitoring that the defendant pays for, and tampering with the device is a Class B misdemeanor.

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What happens at the first appearance in General Sessions?

A magistrate must see the arrested person without unnecessary delay, in the words of Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 5. The charge, the right to a lawyer and the right to remain silent are explained. In a felony case a preliminary hearing follows within 14 days if the person is held, or within 30 days if released. The court is at 1801 S. College Street, Suite 102, and its hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

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How does someone without money get a lawyer?

By asking the judge to appoint one. The public defender for the Twenty-Fifth Judicial District covers Tipton County at 901-465-7330.

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Which town's police officers made the arrest?

Covington, Munford, Atoka and Brighton each have officers who can arrest inside their limits, and sheriff's deputies cover the rest. The booking should still appear on Tipton County Inmate Search. If it does not, request a report number from the arresting agency.

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Where do I go about a juvenile?

The juvenile office is in Suite 102 of the Justice Center. The clerk's line is 901-475-3315, and the office that handles delinquent and unruly petitions is 901-475-3322. Ask whether the child is being held, where, and when the detention hearing is. Juvenile records are not public, so a child will not be on the adult search.

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Is a deposit on his jail phone account considered bail?

No. Money for phone calls goes to the phone service, and commissary money stays on his account. The right places to pay bail are the clerk, a licensed bondsman or a property bond. Do not send money to anyone who contacts you offering to post bail.

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What if he fails to appear, and when does the deposit return?

The court can forfeit the bond (40-11-139 and 40-11-201) and order his arrest, and a surety may surrender the defendant (40-11-132).

A cash deposit is returned after discharge (40-11-119), after fines and costs (40-11-121). A surety is not liable for fines, costs or restitution unless the bond says so and the surety consents (40-11-118(c)).

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Tipton County contacts

Jail
Tipton County jail, Justice Center, 1801 S. College Street, Suite 106, Covington, TN 38019; Corrections 901-475-3305, open 24 hours
Sheriff's Office
901-475-3300
After hours
Central Dispatch 901-475-4300
Custody lookup
Tipton County Inmate Search
General Sessions and Circuit Clerk
1801 S. College Street, Suite 102; 901-475-3310
Juvenile Court
Suite 102; 901-475-3315
Public defender
Twenty-Fifth Judicial District, 901-465-7330
Bond help
Tipton County bail and bond instructions

Terms in your case may differ from the general process above, and hours or numbers may change. Check with the office before you go. This page is informational and is not legal advice.

How do Bail Bonds work at Tipton County Jail

The Tipton County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Tipton County.

However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:

  • You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Tipton County, or in some cases the state of Tennessee, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Tipton County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
  • The typical fee for a bond in Tennessee is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less.  So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1,500.00.
  • Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the Tipton County Jail, or the courthouse in Tipton County where the offense took place.

Call 901-475-3305 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Tipton County inmate locator.

Tipton County Jail

Address:
1801 South College Street
Covington, TN 38019
Phone:
901-475-3305

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Tipton County


Does Tipton County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Tipton County?

Who can set bail in Tipton County?

When is bail set in Tipton County Tennessee?

 

 

Does Tipton County have bail?

Yes,  Tipton County recognizes most types of bonds.

 

 

What kind of bonds are accepted in Tipton County?

Tipton County recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

 

 

Who can set bail in Tipton County?

Bail is set by a magistrate or judge.

 

 

When is bail set in Tipton County Tennessee?

Bail is set during the defendant’s first court hearing, also known as a bail hearing. This court appearance will be scheduled within 72 hrs. of arrest not counting weekends or holidays.

What is Bail?

Bail is what the arrested in Tipton County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance. 

The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program. 

Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane. 

If a judge in Tennessee feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.  

Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court. 

If the judge or bail schedule 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 Tipton County Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial. 

Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses. 

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. Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.  

The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Tipton County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.  

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.  

Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation. 

Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.  

On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.  

What are the different types of bonds in Tipton County?

Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.

To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.

Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.

Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:

You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.

You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to 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. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.

Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over. 

The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.

You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value. 

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 1 ½ - 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. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond. 

You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.  

A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met. 

With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved. 

A Transfer Bond is transferable across state lines but generally a bond company will only assume the loan to adjoining states. In addition to the 10% fee, there is a transfer fee owed to the bonding company between $50-$100.

Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.

Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.

(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.  A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)

Does Tipton County have bail?

Yes,  Tipton County recognizes most types of bonds.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Tipton County? 

Tipton County recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

Who can set bail in Tipton County?

Bail is set by a magistrate or judge.

When is bail set in Tennessee?

Bail is set during the defendant’s first court hearing, also known as a bail hearing. This court appearance will be scheduled within 72 hrs. of arrest not counting weekends or holidays.

Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Tipton County Tennessee? 

Yes, your attorney can request a bond reduction.

In Tipton County Tennessee, 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. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Tennessee could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.

Can bail be paid online in Tipton County Tennessee?

Yes, Tennessee does offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Tipton County Jail for more information about the jails in Tipton County.

What options are there to pay bail in Tipton County Tennessee?

Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted. Go to the Tipton County Jail for more information about posting bail in Tipton County.  

Will I get all my bond money back in Tennessee? 

Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.

Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Tipton County?

No, unless released on own recognizance you will be required to pay some money down to secure bail. 

A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) 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. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.

What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Tennessee?

The Tipton County Jail or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.

The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Tipton County

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