Stephens & DiRado, LLP
Bond Source Order Hearings in Tennessee
Criminal Defense Representation in Knox, Loudon and Anderson Counties and throughout all of East Tennessee
If your loved one has been arrested in Tennessee and is being held due to a Bond Source Order, you may be facing an unexpected legal roadblock that prevents immediate release. At Stephens & DiRado, LLP, our attorneys are highly experienced in navigating these complex hearings and helping families secure a lawful, timely release.
→ Need help with a bond source order? Contact our Knoxville criminal defense attorneys for a free consultation.
What Is a Bond Source Order?
Under Tennessee law, when a prosecutor suspects that bail funds may originate from illegal activity, they can request a Bond Source Order. This requires the defendant (or bonding company) to prove in court that the bond money comes from a legitimate source.
Until this burden is met and the judge approves the source of funds, the defendant cannot post bond and remains in custody.
This process is governed by T.C.A. § 40-11-118, which gives both General Sessions and Criminal Court judges the authority to enforce these orders.
How We Help With Bond Source Orders
The process of clearing a bond source order involves documentation, strategic court appearances, and direct communication with the court. Our attorneys assist by:
Preparing and presenting financial records to establish lawful funds
Coaching family members or third-party contributors on what to expect
Representing you at bond source hearings
Advocating for conditions that support timely release
Understanding the Bond & Release Process
Bond source issues are only one part of the complex pretrial process. Here are other common questions clients ask:
What Is a Bond Premium?
A bond premium is the fee paid to a bonding company in exchange for them posting the full bond amount on your behalf. Rather than paying the entire bond, defendants typically pay 10–15% of the total amount as a premium.
This fee is non-refundable and is paid directly to the bonding company. Be sure to carefully review any contractual agreements, and consult an attorney to ensure you understand your rights.
What Is Pretrial Release?
Pretrial Release allows a judge to release a defendant without requiring a monetary bond. Instead, the defendant is supervised by a pretrial agency and must follow specific conditions, such as regular check-ins.
Although no money changes hands, this release still comes with legal obligations. If you violate the terms—or are arrested while on release—you could lose your release status and face stacked sentencing or bond revocation.
Why Choose Stephens & DiRado, LLP for Bond Hearings?
We Know Tennessee Bond Law
We’ve handled hundreds of bond and pretrial release cases across Knox and Anderson Counties.
We Move Fast
In time-sensitive bond situations, speed and precision matter.
We Educate & Guide Families
Our lawyers walk you through every step, making the complex process manageable.
We Fight for Freedom
Whether in a bond source hearing or broader criminal defense case, your liberty is our priority.
→ Schedule a free consultation to get answers and immediate support.
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Stephens & DiRado, LLP
Serving clients across East Tennessee with decades of courtroom experience.