Williamson County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Williamson 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 Williamson 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.
Williamson County, Tennessee DUI Bail and Release: A Comprehensive Guide
Williamson County bail for a first offense DWI typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,500. Understanding the bail and release process after a DUI arrest in Williamson County, Tennessee, is crucial. This guide provides essential information to navigate the system effectively.
Bail Amounts for DUI in Williamson County
Here's a breakdown of typical bail amounts for DUI offenses in Williamson County:
| Offense Type | Bail Amount Range |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense DWI | $1,000 - $3,500 |
| 2nd Offense DWI | $2,500 - $7,500 |
| Felony DWI | $10,000 - $25,000 |
| DWI With Injury | $25,000+ |
Note: These are typical ranges. Actual bail amounts are set by a magistrate and can vary based on the specific circumstances of the arrest, prior record, and other factors.
Where to Post Bail in Williamson County
Bail can be posted at the Williamson County Jail, located at 408 Century Court, Franklin, TN. Speak with the Intake/Booking staff to initiate the process. The Williamson County Courthouse does not handle bail postings directly.
How Bail Bonds Work in Williamson County
After a DUI arrest, you have several options for securing release from jail:
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Cash Bail: This involves paying the full bail amount directly to the court. The full amount is refundable after the case is resolved, minus any court fees or fines.
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Surety Bond: This involves using a bail bondsman. You typically pay the bondsman a percentage of the total bail amount (usually around 10%). This fee is non-refundable. The bondsman guarantees to the court that you will appear for all required court dates.
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Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: A PR bond allows you to be released without paying any money upfront. This is granted at the discretion of the court and is typically reserved for individuals with strong ties to the community, a clean criminal record, and a low risk of flight. Eligibility depends on factors like residency, employment, and prior criminal history.
Co-Signer/Indemnitor Warning: A Critical Note
If you choose to use a surety bond, a co-signer (also known as an indemnitor) is usually required. Be aware that the co-signer is legally responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. This means the co-signer could be liable for tens of thousands of dollars if the defendant violates the terms of their release. Carefully consider the risks before agreeing to co-sign a bail bond.
Release Timeline After a DUI Arrest
The release process generally follows these steps:
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Booking: After arrest, you will be taken to the Williamson County Jail for booking. This process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and gathering personal information. This can take several hours (2-6 hours).
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Arraignment: You will appear before a magistrate for arraignment. The magistrate will inform you of the charges against you and set bail. This typically happens within 24-72 hours of arrest, but can be longer on weekends or holidays.
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Bail Posted: Once bail is set, you or someone on your behalf can post bail at the Williamson County Jail (408 Century Court, Franklin, TN).
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Release: After bail is posted and processed, you will be released from custody. The release process can take several hours (1-4 hours) after bail is posted.
Total time from arrest to release can range from 12-72+ hours depending on the timing of the arrest and court availability.
Critical Deadlines After Release
After being released on bail, it's crucial to adhere to the following deadlines:
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Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing to contest the suspension of your driver's license. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in automatic license suspension.
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Vehicle Retrieval: Arrange for the prompt retrieval of your vehicle from impound. Storage fees can accrue quickly.
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First Court Date: Mark your calendar for your first court date and ensure you are present. Missing your court date can result in a warrant for your arrest and forfeiture of your bail.
Payment Methods for Bail
The Williamson County Jail typically accepts cash, certified checks, and money orders for bail payments. Credit and debit cards may be accepted, but it's best to confirm directly with the Intake/Booking staff at 408 Century Court, Franklin, TN. Bail bondsmen will have their own accepted payment methods.
Weekend/Holiday Timing
Arrests occurring on weekends or holidays can experience delays in the arraignment and release process. While bail can still be posted at the Williamson County Jail (408 Century Court, Franklin, TN) 24/7, processing times may be longer due to reduced staffing. Be prepared for potential delays if arrested during these times.
For specific questions regarding bail procedures, contact the Williamson County Jail at their general information number.
Sources
Tennessee Penal Code
Williamson County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety