Sumner County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Sumner 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 Sumner 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.
If you've been arrested for DUI in Sumner County, Tennessee, your immediate concern is likely getting out of jail. Understanding the bail process and related logistical hurdles is crucial. This guide provides specific information to navigate the system effectively.
Posting Bond at the Sumner County Detention Facility
All DUI arrests in Sumner County are processed at the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility, located at 117 West Smith Street, Gallatin, TN 37066. After booking, which typically takes 2-3 hours, you'll be eligible for bond. For a first-offense DUI, expect a bond amount between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on factors like BAC level or whether an accident occurred.
You have two options for posting bond:
- Cash Bond: Pay the full amount directly to the court clerk or jail. This is refundable (minus court costs) at the end of your case.
- Surety Bond: Hire a professional bondsman. The fee is typically 10% of the bond amount plus booking fees, and is non-refundable. Several bonding agencies are located near the jail in Gallatin.
Even after posting bond, the jail enforces a "Sober Release" policy. This means you won't be released until deemed sober, determined either by a fixed time hold (6, 8, or 12 hours) or a breath test showing a BAC below 0.02%. For example, if arrested at 2:00 AM and bond is posted at 4:00 AM, you might not be released until 10:00 AM or later.
Vehicle Recovery: A Regulated Process
Recovering your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Sumner County is not a simple transaction. First, determine which towing company impounded your vehicle. This information is on the Vehicle Impound Report given to you at the jail. Do NOT go to a central police impound.
Before going to the tow lot, you MUST obtain a "Vehicle Release Form" from the arresting agency (either the Gallatin Police Department or the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office). If arrested by Gallatin PD, visit the GPD Records Division at 130 W. Franklin Street during business hours to get this paperwork. Bring valid proof of ownership (title/registration) and a valid driver’s license. If your license was seized, bring a second licensed driver to drive the vehicle.
Tow company business offices are legally required to be open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Release outside these hours often incurs an "After-Hours Gate Fee" of $50-$100. Most tow companies require cash or verified funds; personal checks are typically not accepted. Be aware that if your vehicle isn't claimed within 30 days, the tow company can begin the process to obtain title and sell it at auction.
Navigating the General Sessions Court
Your DUI case will be heard in the General Sessions Court, located in the Sumner County Courthouse at 155 East Main Street, Gallatin, TN 37066. Court sessions typically begin at 9:00 AM.
Be aware of strict security protocols. Cell phones and electronics are prohibited. Leave them in your vehicle. A rigorous dress code is enforced: no shorts, tank tops, hats, or sagging pants. Arriving in improper attire can result in being denied entry and a "Failure to Appear" warrant.
The morning docket is a busy "cattle call." Listen carefully for your name. Missing the call can lead to bond revocation. Cases with attorneys are often prioritized.
License Revocation and Restricted Licenses
If you refused a breath/blood test, you have only 10 days to request an administrative hearing to contest the automatic one-year license revocation. This request must be filed with the Department of Safety, typically via fax or certified mail to the administrative processing unit in Nashville. Missing this deadline results in automatic revocation, regardless of the criminal case outcome.
You may be eligible for a restricted license, allowing driving for essential purposes. This requires:
- A certified Restricted License Order signed by the General Sessions Judge.
- Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) by a provider like Smart Start (1315 South Water Ave, Gallatin) or Intoxalock.
- SR-22 insurance.
- A visit to the Gallatin Driver Services Center at 855 North Bluejay Way, Gallatin, TN 37066, with the required documents.
The Gallatin Driver Services Center is a full-service center that handles reinstatements. It's open Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, but may stop taking new applicants as early as 2:45 PM or 4:00 PM if the queue is full. Reinstatement fees can be $350+ for a first offense.
Communication While Incarcerated
If you are unable to post bond, remember that the Sumner County Detention Facility does not accept incoming calls for inmates. Families must wait for the detainee to call out via ConnectNetwork (GTL). Video visitation is available through HomeWAV, requiring a prepaid account.
To schedule an IID installation with Smart Start, call them at (615) 451-2000.
Sources
Tennessee Penal Code
Sumner County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety