Meigs County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Meigs County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Meigs County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
Navigating DUI Bail in Meigs County, Tennessee: A Detailed Guide
If you've been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Meigs County, Tennessee, understanding the bail process is crucial. The Circuit Court Clerk's office, located at 17214 TN-58, Suite 202 in Decatur, handles the administrative aspects of the court system, including bail processing. Knowing your rights and the procedures involved can help you navigate this challenging situation.
Understanding Bail in Meigs County
Bail is a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. It allows you to be released from custody while awaiting trial. The amount of bail is set by the General Sessions Judge, the Honorable Casey Mark Stokes, and is influenced by factors such as the severity of the DUI charge, your criminal history, and your ties to the community.
Factors Influencing Bail Amount
Several factors can influence the amount of bail set in a Meigs County DUI case:
- Prior Criminal Record: A history of prior DUI convictions or other criminal offenses will likely result in a higher bail amount.
- Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): A high BAC at the time of arrest can lead to a higher bail.
- Aggravating Circumstances: If the DUI involved an accident, injury, or death, the bail amount will likely be significantly higher.
- Community Ties: Strong ties to the community, such as a stable job, family in the area, and a history of residency, can positively influence the judge to set a reasonable bail. Meigs County has a high rate of housing stability, with 86.1% of residents living in the same house as the previous year, which could be a factor in demonstrating community ties.
Posting Bail in Meigs County
Once bail is set, you have several options for posting it:
- Cash Bail: You can pay the full bail amount in cash to the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
- Surety Bond: You can hire a bail bondsman who will post a surety bond on your behalf. This typically involves paying the bondsman a percentage of the bail amount (usually 10-15%), which is non-refundable.
- Property Bond: In some cases, the court may allow you to secure your release by using real property as collateral. This involves providing proof of ownership and the property's value.
The Role of the Meigs County Jail
If you are unable to post bail immediately, you will be held at the Meigs County Jail. The jail, originally built in 1963, has a capacity of 56 beds and houses both pre-trial detainees and inmates serving sentences. Upon admission, your personal belongings will be confiscated, inventoried, and stored. The Jail Administrator is Russell Grissom.
Court Appearances and Consequences of Missing Court
After posting bail, you will be given a court date. It is crucial to attend all scheduled court appearances. Failure to do so can result in the forfeiture of your bail, the issuance of a warrant for your arrest, and additional charges.
The MOTION Act of 2024 and DUI Laws
Keep in mind that vehicular laws, including those related to DUI, are subject to change. The MOTION Act of 2024, for example, may have introduced new regulations or penalties. It is essential to stay informed about the current laws in Tennessee.
Finding Legal Assistance
Navigating the legal complexities of a DUI charge can be overwhelming. Consulting with an experienced DUI attorney is highly recommended. An attorney can review the details of your case, advise you on your legal options, and represent you in court.
Important Contact Information
- Circuit Court Clerk's Office: 17214 TN-58, Suite 202, Decatur, TN. Phone: (423) 334-5740
- Meigs County Jail: (423) 334-5280
- Meigs County Sheriff’s Office: (423) 334-5266
The Circuit Court Clerk's office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Wednesday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Note the Wednesday afternoon closure, as this will impact filing deadlines.
Sources
Tennessee Penal Code
Meigs County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety