Bail Bonds and Cash Bail

BAIL BONDS/CASH BAIL

By posting cash bail or a Surety Bond, an accused person (Defendant) may be able to avoid, or be released from, jail soon after arrest, and usually before his/her first court appearance (arraignment). The funds can be posted at the Lyon County Jail, or using the services of a bail bondsman, or in person at the Fernley Municipal Court. There is an amount of bail set for each type of violation of law. The full amount can be paid in cash, by credit card, or a bail bondsman can post a percentage of it with the court after you pay them a fee. Either way, there is a $50 fee charged by the court to post bail or bond. If the Defendant fails to appear in court on the scheduled date and time, the funds may be forfeited to the court.

After a Defendant is sentenced by the Judge, the bail or bond is usually exonerated (released). However, the Judge may decide to hold the bail to ensure that the Defendant completes all the terms of his or her sentence. Any fines, fees and assessments may be deducted from the cash bail posted, thereafter; any remaining funds will be refunded to the poster of the cash bail. Refunds are in the form of checks issued by the Fernley Municipal Court.

It takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks to receive a refund check. The person who posted bail may check on the status of a refund by calling the Court Clerk at 775-784-9911. Refunds are mailed to the address given at the time bail was posted. The court must be notified in writing, and with proof of identification, of any address change. If the person who posted bail believes the refund check has been lost in the mail, after thirty (30) days, he/she may request a new check at the Fernley Municipal Court.

OWN RECOGNIZANCE (OR) RELEASE

Another way to be released from jail is for the Judge to grant an Own Recognizance release, also called “OR.” Pretrial Services may grant a person an OR based on criteria set by the court or the Defendant may ask the Judge for an OR during their arraignment. A written promise to appear must be signed by the Defendant. If he/she fails to appear in court on the date given, a bench warrant will be ordered by the court.