Increased Bail Expected in St. Louis Gun Cases

Increased Bail Expected in St. Louis Gun Cases

Judges are cracking down on St. Louis gun cases. Defendants charged with a gun or weapon offense in the St. Louis area can expect increased bail. In an effort to reduce violence in the St. Louis metropolitan area, St. Louis judges have begun setting bond in gun and weapon cases much higher than the past.

In the past, judges would typically set bond at $30,000 or $50,000 on gun cases and allow the defendant to post 10 percent of that amount to secure his or her release. Now, judges are frequently ordering the defendant to pay the full amount in cash. Furthermore, the bond is being set higher, such as $75,000. The “cash-only” requirement typically does not allow for a bail bondsman to post the amount. Thus, in many cases, the only way a defendant can free himself or herself from custody prior to trial is posting an extremely high cash bond.

One local case was brought to the Missouri Supreme Court asking it to review what the defendant thought was an excessive bail amount. The Supreme Court agreed with the local judge and upheld a $75,000 cash-only bond. This case means that defendants in gun cases may also start receiving similar bond amounts.

If you or a loved one is charged with a gun or weapon offense in Missouri, it is vital that you seek an aggressive and experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney. Our attorneys will work vigorously to secure a reasonable bond and protect your rights. Call us today for a free consultation.