Legal Definitions - stationhouse bail

Term: Stationhouse Bail

Stationhouse bail is a form of cash bail that allows an individual arrested for certain, typically less serious, offenses to be released directly from the police station or law enforcement facility where they are being held. Instead of waiting for a formal court appearance before a judge to have bail set, a predetermined cash amount can be paid at the station. This payment secures the individual's release, with the legal obligation that they appear in court on a specified future date. It provides a quicker path to release for minor infractions, avoiding prolonged detention.

• Example 1: Maria was pulled over for driving with an expired registration and, due to a previous missed court date, was taken into custody. At the police station, the desk sergeant informed her that for this specific misdemeanor, a standard stationhouse bail amount of $200 had been set. Her friend arrived shortly after and paid the $200 cash directly to the police, securing Maria's immediate release with instructions to appear in court next week.

  Explanation: This illustrates stationhouse bail because Maria was released directly from the police station after a predetermined cash amount was paid, without needing to wait for a judge to set bail in court. The payment was made at the 'stationhouse' for a minor offense.

• Example 2: After a minor altercation at a local bar, John was arrested for disturbing the peace. When he arrived at the precinct, the booking officer informed him that he could post stationhouse bail for $150. John used his debit card to withdraw the cash from an ATM nearby and paid the amount at the front desk. He was then released with a citation to appear in municipal court.

  Explanation: Here, John's release was facilitated by paying a set cash amount directly at the police precinct (the stationhouse) for a low-level offense. This allowed him to avoid spending the night in jail and await his court date from home, demonstrating the immediate release aspect of stationhouse bail.

• Example 3: Sarah was apprehended for shoplifting a small item, a misdemeanor in her jurisdiction. Upon arrival at the police department, her parents were contacted. They were told they could post stationhouse bail, which was a fixed amount of $300 for such an offense. Her parents promptly came to the station, paid the cash, and Sarah was released to their custody with a summons for her court appearance.

  Explanation: This scenario highlights stationhouse bail as Sarah's parents were able to pay a pre-established cash amount directly to the police department for her minor offense. This allowed Sarah to be released from custody without a judicial hearing, emphasizing the convenience and directness of this bail type.