Legal situations are stressful. It is hard enough to deal with an arrest, but trying to navigate the bail process if you have no prior experience can be quite overwhelming.
This is why we explain subjects related to bail bonds in an easy-to-understand way, as well as offer flexible and affordable payment options for you.
Note: We offer several types of bail bonds. We have compiled the different types below for your reference.
#1 Controlled Substance Bail Bonds
The use, possession, manufacture, sale, or even casual exchange of illegal substances are serious crimes in Tennessee. If caught, you may find yourself facing a Class A Misdemeanor up to a Class A Felony.
How much you pay for bail in a controlled substance case can go up to as much as $10,000 for repeat offenses.
If you are caught selling or transporting illegal substances, you may also have to pay fines as high as $100,000.
#2 Traffic Bail Bonds
Traffic violations may result in a Class A Misdemeanor up to a Class C Misdemeanor charge. Depending on the case, you may be required to pay hefty fines and court fees. You may also get your driver’s license suspended and be placed on probation.
Bail amounts for traffic violations vary in Tennessee.
See the following chart for typical misdemeanor traffic classifications:
| Class C Misdemeanors | Speeding |
| Class B Misdemeanors | Reckless driving |
| Class A Misdemeanors | Reckless endangerment |
#3 DUI Bail Bonds
In Tennessee, depending on the severity of the offense, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or a Class A Felony for a DUI offense. Even a first-time offense can land you in jail, lead to fines, and get your driver’s license suspended.
Fines range from $350 up to $15,000.
Bail for DUIs can cost $2000 or more in Tennessee.
Posting bail may not be possible if there is a death involved.
#4 Warrant Bail Bonds
A warrant bond, also called a walk-through bond, is for people who have a warrant issued for their arrest.
These bonds are used when a person wants to turn him or herself into the police. To get a warrant bond, the defendant and their attorney need to speak with a bail bond agent.
If an individual does not have an attorney, they still can talk to a bail bond agent, who will prepare all the necessary bail bond paperwork for the defendant.
The bail bond agent will then accompany the defendant to the station with the goal being to avoid a public arrest. After the defendant is processed, they should be able to walk free until their next scheduled court appearance.
The amount a person pays for warrant bail depends on what crime has been committed.
#5 Domestic Violence Bail Bonds
A significant number of arrests in Shelby County are related to domestic violence, but since domestic violence is loosely defined in Tennessee, cases can include inflicting harm, using physical restraints, and even stalking.
Currently, there is no standard bail schedule for offenses related to domestic violence. Instead, the state mandates an individual bail determination in all cases.
With that said, bail for domestic violence can range anywhere from $1,000 to $30,000 or even higher for severe crimes.
#6 Felony Bail Bonds
These bonds often encompass other bail bond types, such as controlled substance bonds, DUI bonds, or domestic violence bonds. The reason we mention felony bail bonds here, despite the redundancy, is that we provide bail bonds for kidnapping, manslaughter, robbery, arson, fraud, theft, murder, and more.
Our felony bail bonds constitute a wide range.
Note: Although felonies are the most serious crimes, the US justice system acknowledges the presumption of innocence for all defendants, which is why it is very possible that a defendant may be allowed bail.
We understand that every case is unique, which is why we never treat you like a guilty party.
Please also note that in certain cases, bail may not be issued for a felony. Courts in Tennessee may deny bail for the following crimes:
- First-degree murder
- Any Class A felony
- Aggravated robbery
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Aggravated kidnapping
- A violation of Tennessee Code 39-17-417.
** see 2010 Tennessee Code Title 40 – Criminal Procedure Chapter 26 – Appeal 40-26-102 – Bail in felony cases
How much felony bail is depends on the crime. It is usually moderately to extremely high.
#7 Immigration Bail Bonds
Immigration bail bonds are used when a person is arrested for alleged illegal immigration. In these cases, the deportation officer decides whether or not the undocumented person is allowed to post an immigration bail bond.
Similar to a regular bail bond, immigration bonds allow an individual to remain out of jail until their trial concludes.
There are two types of immigration bonds in Tennessee:
- Delivery Bonds. These allow an immigrant to stay with their family while their case continues so long as they show up to their scheduled court hearings.
- Voluntary Departure Bonds. These allow an immigrant to be released from jail under the condition that they leave the country within 120 days.
Most undocumented individuals are allowed to get an immigration bail bond if they are not involved in other serious crimes.
On average, delivery bail costs around $1500 and can go up to $10,000 or more if the detainee is a flight risk. For voluntary departure immigration bail, the minimum amount is $500.
#8 Misdemeanor Bail Bonds
Like felony bonds, misdemeanor bonds often encompass other bail bond types, including traffic bonds.
The typical bail amount for misdemeanor bail is $500 to $1,000. Refer to the table below to see some of the typical classifications for misdemeanors.
| Misdemeanor | |
| Class C Misdemeanors | public intoxication, traffic offenses such as speeding, other petty offenses |
| Class B Misdemeanors | reckless driving, domestic abuse |
| Class A Misdemeanors | assault, domestic abuse with bodily injury |
Depending on the crime, misdemeanors in Tennessee are punishable by up to 1 year in prison, fines, and/or community service.
#9 Weapons Bail Bonds
Illegal weapons possession is somewhat loosely defined in Tennessee. This is why it is crucial to understand the rules surrounding your weapon and how to avoid breaking the law and incurring the possibility of prosecution.
Here are some commonly restricted weapons and the possible associated charges and sentences you may face for carrying them.
| Weapon type | Possible Charge | Prison Sentence |
| Explosives or explosive weapon | Class B Felony | 8-30 years |
| Machine Gun | Class E Felony | 1-6 years |
| Short-barreled shotgun | Class E Felony | 1-6 years |
| Firearm silencer | Class E Felony | 1-6 years |
| Switchblade knife/metal knuckles | Class A Misdemeanor | 1 year |
The amount for weapons bail varies widely depending on your case.
#10 No Money Down Bail Bonds
The price for bail bonds in Tennessee is set at 10% of the total bail amount. In other words, if the court sets the bail at $10,000, the defendant will only need to pay $1,000 if they get a bail bond through a bail bond company.
Unfortunately, $1,000 is not something everyone can afford.
This is why no money down bail bonds are available to select individuals. To get a no money down bail bond, approach a bail bond agent and ask for a flexible bail bond payment plan. If you pass their screening process, you will then be able to get your bail bond without paying the cost upfront.
