Van Buren County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Van Buren 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 Van Buren 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.
Understanding DUI Bail in Van Buren County, TN
If you've been arrested for DUI in Van Buren County, Tennessee, one of your first concerns is likely getting out of jail. The Van Buren County Justice Center, located at 17 Veterans Square (also cited as 121 Taft Drive) in Spencer, TN, is where you'll be processed and potentially held until you can post bail. Understanding the bail process and your options is crucial.
How Bail Works in Van Buren County
Bail is essentially a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. The amount of bail is set by a judge, typically at your arraignment. However, a standard bail schedule exists for common offenses like DUI, allowing you to potentially bond out sooner. Keep in mind that Van Buren County is part of the 31st Judicial District, sharing its Circuit Court judge and District Attorney General with Warren County. This means that while Judge Sam Benningfield presides over the General Sessions Court in Van Buren County, the overall judicial climate is influenced by the larger caseload in McMinnville.
Factors Influencing Bail Amount
Several factors can influence the amount of bail set in your DUI case:
- Prior Criminal Record: A history of prior DUI convictions or other offenses will likely result in a higher bail amount.
- Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): A high BAC at the time of arrest can also lead to a higher bail.
- Aggravating Circumstances: If the DUI involved an accident, injury, or death, bail will likely be significantly higher.
- Flight Risk: The court will consider whether you are a flight risk, meaning whether you are likely to leave the area and not return for court dates. Ties to the community, such as family and employment, can help mitigate this concern.
Posting Bail in Van Buren County
You have several options for posting bail:
- Cash Bail: You can pay the full bail amount in cash to the court. This money will be returned to you (minus court fees) once your case is resolved, provided you attend all required court appearances.
- Surety Bond: You can use a bail bondsman. The bondsman will charge a non-refundable fee, typically around 10% of the bail amount, to guarantee your appearance in court. For example, if your bail is set at $2,500, the bondsman's fee would be $250.
- Property Bond: In some cases, you may be able to use real property as collateral for your bail. This requires the property to be unencumbered and have a value exceeding the bail amount. This option involves a more complex process and requires court approval.
Finding a Bail Bondsman
Several bail bondsmen serve Van Buren County. A quick online search or contacting the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office at 931-946-2911 can provide you with a list of licensed bondsmen. Remember to compare fees and terms before choosing a bondsman.
Vehicle Impoundment and Towing
Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle will likely be impounded. The Van Buren County Commission oversees a "wrecker rotation" policy to ensure fair towing practices. D Wagner Towing LLC, located at 51 Feed Store Road, Spencer, TN 38585 (also listed at 35 Marks Ln, Spencer), is a primary service provider. You can reach them at (931) 946-8795 or (615) 684-6520. Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees to retrieve your vehicle. Contact D Wagner Towing directly to inquire about their fees and procedures for vehicle release.
The "Sober DUI" Phenomenon
It's important to be aware of a concerning trend in Tennessee: "sober DUI" arrests. The TBI reported 419 such arrests statewide in 2024, where drivers are arrested for impairment but toxicology tests return negative for alcohol or common drugs. If you are arrested by a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) trooper on Highway 111 and charged based solely on Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), it's crucial to challenge the validity of those tests, especially considering the roadside conditions of the Cumberland Plateau.
Next Steps After Posting Bail
Once you've posted bail and been released, your next step should be to consult with an experienced DUI attorney in Van Buren County. An attorney can review the details of your arrest, advise you on your legal options, and represent you in court. They can also help you navigate the administrative license suspension process and potentially challenge the evidence against you.
To contact the Van Buren County General Sessions Court, call (931) 946-2531.
Sources
Tennessee Penal Code
Van Buren County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety