How Bail Bonds Work in Missouri is Key To Getting out of Jail Fast
To know how bail bonds work in Missouri and the systems and procedures work, it is important to start at the beginning. If you have been arrested by local authorities in the state of Missouri (like Ferguson for example), then you will undergo a process where you are taken to the police station and booked. The booking process consists of having your picture and fingerprints taken as well as recording the circumstances of your arrest.
At the end of the process which can take up to three hours depending on the circumstances you will face a judge who sets a court date for your trial the bail necessary to get you out of jail. After you have the bail set, you are faced with one of three very important legal choices:
[list style=”check”]
- Stay in jail until the court date arrives which could take several months
- Pay the total amount of the bail to the court which may be more than you have
- Call a bail bonds Missouri agent
[/list]
For most people understanding how bail bonds work Missouri residents will need to know the process and what is needed to get them out of jail until their court date arrives. However, staying in jail for up to six months or more is not a viable option for most people.
The Bail Bond System in Missouri
When the judge sets the bail for your court case, if you do not have the money to pay the full amount you can contact a bail bonds Missouri agent. The bail agent will take a small percentage of the total amount of the bail in an up front fee that is non-refundable. In return, the agent will assume the responsibility for ensuring that you are at your appointed court date.
Once you have arrived for your court date, the bail bonds agent is released from their promise to the court. However, if you should not arrive for your court date, the agent will be liable for the total amount of the bail until you are brought to court. When this happens, it is likely that a bounty hunter hired by the bail bond agent will be assigned to bring you to court.
What Are Missouri Bail Bonds Charges & Fees?
The bonds fee in Missouri that the bail bonds agent can charge is 10% of the total amount of the bail which is typical for most states. There are no additional charges or fees associated with the direct payment of the bail. However, if you do not have the money for the 10% fee there are agents who also have loan services where for an additional fee you can have the money necessary lent to you.
In such lending cases, the bail bonds agent will generally want collateral in the form of a vehicle or property that can be redeemed for the amount you owe the agent. However, each agent has some flexibility in the fees, charges and interest rates that applies to such loans so if possible you will want to look over their rates before making a decision in choosing their services.
Video: How Bail Bonds Work in Missouri
Missouri Bail Bonds Information
How does bail bonds work in Missouri? Once arrested and booked, a defendant is informed of their bail amount. The bail bond premium of 10 to 20% is charged by the bondsman to the defendant to ensure they appear in court.
Understanding how bail bonds work in Missouri is good to know when dealing with any bail bonds agent. Id you’d like to check on the bail company writing your bond, they are under the supervision of the Missouri Department of Insurance where you can contact them to get more information. Or you can read the state statute here:
General bail bond agent duly licensed under the provisions of sections 374.695
to 374.789 RSMo