Rutherford County DUI Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a DUI arrest in Rutherford County.
County Jail Information
Rutherford County Adult Detention Center (RCADC)
Inmate Search
Use the online inmate locator to check booking status, bail amount, and release information.
What to Expect
Booking Process
2-8 hours for processing, fingerprinting, and photographing
Arraignment
Within 24-48 hours, bail set by judge
Release Options
Cash bond, bail bond, or personal recognizance (rare for DUI)
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 ($1,500-$undefined)
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)
Example: On $1,500 bail = $150 fee
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. Contact a Bail Bondsman
Need fast release in Rutherford County? Contact a verified 24/7 Bail Bondsman to start the release process immediately.
Find a Bondsman4. 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.
Rutherford County Bail Process After DUI Arrest
After a DUI arrest in Rutherford County, Tennessee, understanding the bail process is crucial for securing your release from jail. Bail is a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. The Rutherford County court system uses bail to ensure that defendants return for all scheduled hearings. If you fail to appear, the bail money is forfeited, and a warrant is issued for your arrest. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how bail works in Rutherford County and the options available to you.
Typical Bail Amounts for DUI
The specific bail amount for a DUI in Rutherford County is determined by a committing magistrate based on individual circumstances and statutory risk factors. However, here are some typical ranges:
- First Offense DUI: Bail may be set up to $1,000, which is the statutory limit for standard misdemeanors in Tennessee, assuming there are no aggravating circumstances that suggest a severe flight risk.
- Second Offense DUI: Bail amounts can vary significantly, typically scaling from $1,000 up to $3,500, depending on judicial discretion and your prior criminal history.
How to Post Bail in Rutherford County
There are several options for posting bail in Rutherford County:
Option 1: cash bail
- How it works: You pay the full bail amount directly to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.
- Refund: After your case concludes, approximately 90% of the cash bail is typically returned to you, provided you have met all court requirements.
- Where to pay: Payments are made at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, located at 940 New Salem Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
- Payment methods: Accepted payment methods should be confirmed with the detention center directly.
Option 2: bail bondsman
- How it works: You pay a non-refundable fee, typically 10-15% of the total bail amount, to a licensed bail bondsman. The bondsman then posts the full bail amount on your behalf.
- Requirements: You will likely need to provide the bondsman with identification, and possibly collateral (such as a car title or property deed) or a co-signer to guarantee your appearance in court.
- Finding a bondsman: Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Rutherford County in our bail bond directory.
Option 3: property bond
- How it works: Instead of cash, you can use real property as collateral to secure your release.
- Requirements: The property's value must typically be 150-200% of the bail amount to ensure sufficient coverage.
- Processing time: Property bonds generally take longer to process than cash or surety bonds due to the need for property valuation and lien verification.
Option 4: personal recognizance (pr bond)
- How it works: A PR bond allows you to be released from custody based on your promise to appear in court. No financial security is required upfront.
- Eligibility: PR bonds are more common for first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low perceived flight risk.
Timeline: How Long Until Release?
- Typical Processing Time: The timeline from booking to magisterial review at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center typically spans 4 to 12 hours. This timeframe depends on factors such as the facility's current population and the timing of the arrest (e.g., weekend arrests often result in longer processing times).
- Best Times to Post Bail: Posting bail during regular business hours may expedite the release process, as administrative staff are readily available to process paperwork.
- Factors Delaying Release: Medical issues requiring treatment, high levels of intoxication, or incomplete paperwork can cause delays in the release process. The Medical Refusal Protocol at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center stipulates that if an arrestee needs immediate medical attention or is acutely intoxicated, the shift supervisor may refuse intake until medical clearance is obtained, potentially delaying booking by several hours.
What Happens After Posting Bail
- Conditions of Release: After posting bail, you will be subject to certain conditions of release, such as abstaining from alcohol and drugs, avoiding contact with alleged victims, and adhering to any travel restrictions.
- Court Appearance: You will be given a date to appear in court. It is crucial to attend all scheduled court appearances.
- Consequences of Missing Court: Failure to appear in court will result in the forfeiture of your bail and the issuance of a warrant for your arrest. This can also lead to additional charges.
Special Considerations in Rutherford County
Frequently Asked Questions
1Where is the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center located? The Rutherford County Adult Detention Center is located at 940 New Salem Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
2How can I find out if someone is in custody at the Rutherford County jail? You can use the online inmate search tool available at https://rutherfordrecords.us/inmate-search.
3What happens if I am released from the Rutherford County jail at midnight? The jail administration has historically utilized a policy where bulk releases of eligible inmates occur precisely at midnight. Because the private impound lots on the rotational list operate on standard business hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) for administrative vehicle releases, a defendant released at midnight is physically incapable of retrieving their vehicle until the following morning. This temporal misalignment mathematically guarantees the accrual of an additional calendar day of storage fees.