Montgomery County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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.
Montgomery County DUI Bail and Release: A Guide
Montgomery County bail for first-offense DWI typically ranges from $500 to $2,500. Understanding the bail process after a DUI arrest is crucial for securing your release and preparing your defense. This guide provides essential information about bail procedures in Montgomery County, Tennessee.
Bail Amounts Table
| Offense Type | Bail Amount Range |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense DWI | $500 - $2,500 |
| 2nd Offense DWI | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Felony DWI | $5,000 - $25,000 |
| DWI With Injury | $10,000+ |
Note: These are typical ranges. Actual bail amounts are set by a magistrate or judge and can vary based on the specific circumstances of your case.
Where to Post Bail
Bail can be posted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the Inmate's Property Room Window located in the lobby of the Montgomery County Jail. The Montgomery County Jail is located at 1188 Cumberland Drive, Clarksville, TN 37040. Bail is not typically posted at the Montgomery County Courthouse, located at 100 N. Second Street, Clarksville, TN 37040.
How Bail Bonds Work
After a DUI arrest, you have several options for securing your release:
-
Cash Bail: This involves paying the full bail amount set by the court directly to the jail. If you comply with all court orders and appear at all scheduled hearings, the full amount will be refunded to you after your case is resolved.
-
Surety Bond: This involves hiring a bail bondsman who will post a bond on your behalf. You will typically pay the bondsman a percentage of the total bail amount (usually 10%), which is non-refundable. The bondsman guarantees to the court that you will appear at all required hearings.
-
PR Bond (Personal Recognizance): In some cases, the court may release you on your own recognizance. This means you are released without having to pay any money, based on your promise to appear in court. Eligibility for a PR bond depends on factors such as your criminal history, ties to the community, and the severity of the charges.
Co-Signer/Indemnitor Warning
IMPORTANT: If you use a bail bondsman, someone will need to co-sign or act as an indemnitor for your bond. This person is legally responsible for ensuring you appear in court. If you fail to appear, the co-signer is liable for the full bail amount, and the bondsman can take legal action against them to recover the money. This can include seizing assets or garnishing wages. Choose your co-signer carefully and understand the significant financial risk involved.
Release Timeline
The release process after a DUI arrest in Montgomery County typically follows these steps:
- Booking: After arrest, you will be taken to the Montgomery County Jail for booking. This process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. (Estimated time: 2-4 hours)
- Arraignment: You will appear before a magistrate or judge for your arraignment. At this hearing, you will be formally charged with the DUI offense, and the judge will set your bail amount. This may occur within 24-48 hours of your arrest, but can sometimes take longer, especially on weekends or holidays.
- Bail Posted: Once bail is posted (either in cash or through a bondsman), the jail will begin processing your release.
- Release: After processing is complete, you will be released from custody. (Estimated time: 1-3 hours after bail is posted).
Note: These are estimated times. The actual time it takes to complete each step can vary depending on the workload of the jail and the court.
Critical Deadlines After Release
After being released on bail, it is crucial to be aware of the following deadlines:
- ALR Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Tennessee Department of Safety. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. Failure to request a hearing within 15 days will result in an automatic license suspension.
- Vehicle Retrieval: Arrange to retrieve your vehicle from impound as soon as possible to avoid accruing additional storage fees.
- First Court Date: Your release paperwork will specify the date, time, and location of your first court appearance. It is essential to attend this hearing. Failure to appear can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest and the forfeiture of your bail.
Payment Methods
The Montgomery County Jail typically accepts cash for bail payments. Contact the jail directly at (931) 648-0611 to confirm accepted payment methods and any specific requirements. Bail bondsmen typically accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
Weekend/Holiday Timing
Bail can be posted 24/7, even on weekends and holidays, at the Inmate's Property Room Window in the lobby of the Montgomery County Jail. However, processing times may be slightly longer during these periods due to reduced staffing. It is advisable to post bail as soon as possible to minimize your time in custody.
For further information regarding your DUI case and legal options, contact a qualified attorney in Montgomery County.
Sources
Tennessee Penal Code
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety