Kentucky Bail Bond Calculator

Bail bond agents in Kentucky

Kentucky bans commercial bail: it is unlawful to be in the business of bail bondsman or to furnish bail or act as surety for compensation. (KRS 431.510(2))

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of bail bondsman or to otherwise for compensation or other consideration: (a) Furnish bail or funds or property to serve as bail; or (b) Make bonds or enter into undertakings as surety;

Note: KRS 431.510 effective July 15, 2024 (2024 Ky. Acts ch. 174); the prohibition dates from 1976.

Percentage deposit with the court in Kentucky

A court may release a defendant on a bail bond with a deposit of 10 percent of the bail (at least $10) with the clerk; the clerk keeps 10 percent of the deposit as bail costs (see cashReturn), but returns the whole deposit when the defendant met all release conditions and is found not guilty or all charges are dropped or dismissed. (KRS 431.530)

shall deposit with the clerk of the court before which the action is pending a sum of money equal to ten percent (10%) of the bail, but in no event shall such deposit be less than ten dollars ($10)

Cash bail in Kentucky

A verified, eligible defendant who is a low flight risk and not a danger must be released on an unsecured bond or own recognizance. (KRS 431.066)

If a verified and eligible defendant poses low risk of flight, is likely to appear for trial, and is not likely to be a danger to others, the court shall order the defendant released on unsecured bond or on the defendant's own recognizance

When the case ends, the clerk returns 90 percent of a 10 percent deposit and keeps 10 percent (at least $5) as bail costs, unless the court orders otherwise. (KRS 431.530(3))

the clerk of the court shall return to the defendant, unless the court orders otherwise, ninety percent (90%) of the sum deposited and shall retain as bail costs ten percent (10%) of the amount deposited; provided, however, in no event shall the amount retained by the clerk as bail costs be less than five dollars ($5).

How bail is set in Kentucky

The state constitution makes all prisoners bailable by sufficient securities, except capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great. (Ky. Const. § 16)

All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient securities, unless for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great;

The Kentucky Supreme Court may set a uniform bail schedule for designated nonviolent Class D felonies, misdemeanors and violations. (KRS 431.540)

The Supreme Court may by rule or order prescribe a uniform schedule of amounts of bail in designated nonviolent Class D felonies, misdemeanors, and violations;