Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff Inmate Bail & Bonds

Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff

Address:
102 N. Main Street
Erwin, TN 37650

Phone:

423-743-1850

Unicoi County Announces a Major Bail Bond Change - January 4, 2023

Effective in 2023 all Tennessee and Unicoi County judges will consider the following factors when setting an offender's bond:

  • The nature and circumstances of the offense
  • The defendant's record of previous convictions
  • The defendant's past record of appearance in court after being admitted to bail
  • The defendant's family ties
  • The defendant's employment record
  • The defendant's financial resources
  • The defendant's character and mental condition
  • The defendant's community ties

Find out an inmate's bond by looking them up on the Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff Inmate Roster, or by calling 423-743-1850.

Who do I call to find out the Bond for an Inmate?

Please call the jail at 423-743-1850 for the type of bond and any information that is required for a particular individual at Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff.
A bond is set according to a court-approved schedule.
The purpose of the bond is to assure the offender's appearance in court.

Instructions on how to post Bail or Bond in Unicoi County

Because Unicoi County and Tennessee can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff at 423-743-1850, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, right after an arrestee has been booked. 

Ask the staff at the Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff or the Unicoi County Court Clerk these specific questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
  2. How much will the bail or bond be, and what are the additional fees?
  3. Where do I go to pay it?
  4. Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
  5. What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
  6. Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?

If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released. 

This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.

Option 1 - How to Post Bail using Cash for a Defendant at Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff

The first option, a cash bond, is to pay the full bail amount in cash, cashier's check, or money order. Personal Checks are not accepted.

Depending on the crime, this amount could be anywhere from $100 to $75,000 or more.

To pay a cash bond, go to Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff or to the court where the bail hearing occurred. Going directly to the jail will quicken the release of the defendant as any bail paperwork processed at the court will have to be transferred to the jail.

Cashier's Checks and Money Orders may be made out to Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff where the defendant is being held, but usually to the Unicoi County Sheriff's Office or to the Unicoi County Court.

To purchase money orders visit any Western Union, Moneygram or Post Office.

Option 2 - How to Post a Private or Surety Bond for a Defendant at Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff

In the event that someone does not have the full bond amount available to him or her, there is what is called a private bond or surety bond.

This is an agreement made with a bail agent or bondsman who will post the full bail amount. In return, the defendant and/or cosigner will pay a premium to the bail agent. This premium will be 10-15% of the full bail amount.



For example, if bail is posted at $5,000, then the premium will cost approximately $500-$750.

A bail agent will often require some form of collateral, for example, a lien on a house, a car or jewelry. This is to ensure that if the defendant skips bail, or does not appear in court, the bail agent has some sort of compensation for the full bail amount being paid.

Remember, by making an agreement with a bail agent the signatory takes responsibility for paying the full bail amount if the defendant does not appear in court.

Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff

If you are a landowner in Unicoi County you may be able to post a property bond. Property within Unicoi County may be used as collateral to bail someone out. All owners of the property must be present to sign the bond in order for this to happen.

To find if property located outside of Unicoi County can be used as collateral, call a local bail or bond agent or contact a defense lawyer.

Click here for additional information on how to post bail at Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff.

Who can post Bail or Bond for a Defendant at Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff?

Anyone over the age of 18 who can produce a valid government-issued photo ID can post bail. Accepted forms of ID include a Photo Driver's License, Passport, or Motor Vehicle issued ID.

In many circumstances, if the defendant has the resources, they can post their own cash bail from jail.

Surety Bonds are arranged by a third party, typically a Tennessee state licensed Bail Bond firm.

Juveniles may only be bailed or bonded out of custody by a parent or legal guardian.

Unicoi County Justice System Flowchart

When will the Cash Bail or Collateral be returned to me?

Money or collateral will not be returned until the defendant's court case is finished, so realistically it could take several months to years, depending on the severity of the charges. If a defendant posts his or her own bail, Unicoi County Court may retain whatever amount of fines or fees have accumulated throughout the trial.

What happens to my Bail or Collateral if the Defendant misses Court?

The Unicoi County Judge may order a failure to appear warrant for the person's arrest or the Judge may order a Bail Commissioner's Letter be issued that will be sent to the person with a new court date.

If cash bail was paid, the entire amount may be forfeited.

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Unicoi County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Unicoi County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.


 

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Unicoi County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff follow these steps:

  • Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Unicoi County, by creating an account.
  • Select Tennessee, then select Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
  • If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

-  Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
-  This product allows Unicoi County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
-  Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.
-  Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.

Inmate Sales Apps

iphone app
Google Play app

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Unicoi County.


 

How Do Inmates in Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Unicoi County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
  • Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678
  • Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
  • Services for Unicoi County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.

iphone app
Google Play app

For all the information regarding phone calls with Unicoi County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.


 

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Unicoi County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff follow these steps:

  • Register with correctpay by creating an account.
  • Select Tennessee, then select Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.
  • You can deposit money four ways:
  • Deposit online at correctpay.com.
  • Deposit at the VendEngine kiosk in the Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff lobby.
  • Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 855-836-3364
  • Deposit through their iOS or Android app.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account, what the fees are, how long it takes to hit their account and more, check out our full money and commissary guide for Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff.


 

How to Send Commissary Money to an Inmate in Unicoi County

To send commissary money to an inmate's account in Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff follow these steps:

You can deposit money four different ways:

  • Deposit online at correctpay.com.
  • Deposit at the VendEngine kiosk in the Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff lobby.
  • Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 855-836-3364
  • Deposit through their iOS or Android app.

24/7 Customer Service - 855-836-3364
Frequently Asked Questions

For all information, tips and available items for send money and for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Unicoi County Jail & Sheriff check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Unicoi County.