Arrested Last Night? How to Get Out of St. Louis City Justice Center Today

Being arrested in St. Louis can be disorienting and stressful, not just for the person in custody but also for their family and friends. If someone you care about was arrested last night and is being held at the St. Louis City Justice Center (CJC), you likely want to get them out as quickly as possible.

The good news is that there are several options for securing their release, and with the right information, you can handle this process effectively.

Find Out Where They’re Being Held and What They’re Charged With

Before you can post bond or make other arrangements, you need to confirm where the person is being held and what charges they’re facing:

1. Check the online inmate locator: Visit the St. Louis City Department of Corrections website and use their searchable database to locate the person.
2. Determine if they face city or state charges: This is crucial because it affects where you’ll need to go to post bond.
   • For City Charges: Call (314) 622-3231
   • For State Charges: Call (314) 641-8214
3. Get the bond amount: When you call, provide the person’s full name and date of birth to learn the bond amount.

How to Get Someone Released from Custody

Several methods exist for securing someone’s release from the St. Louis City Justice Center:

1. Cash Bond

A cash bond is the most straightforward option. You pay the full bond amount in cash, and when the case concludes, this money is typically returned (minus any court fees or fines).

Important notes about cash bonds:

• Must be paid in cash only – no checks, credit cards, or money orders
• The full amount must be paid
• The process for getting the money back can take several months after the case concludes

2. Release on Recognizance (ROR)

Sometimes called a “signature bond,” Release on Recognizance allows the arrested person to be released without paying a bond. Instead, they sign a document promising to return for all court dates. This option is typically available for:

• First-time, non-violent offenders
• Those with strong community ties
• Low-risk cases

Only a judge can grant an ROR, usually at the initial court appearance. However, in some cases, the bond commissioner may have the authority to grant ROR for minor offenses.

3. Property Bond

Though less common, property bonds allow you to use real estate as collateral instead of cash. The property’s value must typically exceed the bondamount by a significant margin. This process is more complicated and time-consuming, making it less practical for immediate release.

4. Surety Bond (bond Bondsman)

If you can’t afford the full bond amount and the Court’s bond order authorizes a surety bond, you can work with a bond bondsman. For a non-refundable fee (typically 10% of the total bond), the bondsman posts a surety bond. While this gets your loved one out of jail quickly, you won’t get the fee back, even if all charges are dropped.

Where to Post Bond in St. Louis

Where you need to go to post bond depends on how long the person has been in custody:

For Arrestees in Police Custody Less Than 24 Hours:

Location: 1st Floor of the City Justice Center (CJC) Address: 200 South Tucker Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63102 Hours: 24/7 (Open all day, every day) Phone: (314) 241-8339

Note: The Police Bond Window only accepts St. Louis City ordinance warrants and fugitive warrants up to a misdemeanor level.

For Inmates at CJC Less Than 24 Hours:

Option 1: Location: Carnahan Courthouse, Room 108 Address: 114 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm Phone: (314) 622-3340

Option 2: Location: 2nd Floor of the City Justice Center (CJC) Address: 200 South Tucker Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63102 Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 5pm-midnight
• Court Holidays, Saturday and Sunday: Open 24/7 Phone: (314) 641-8214

For Inmates at CJC More Than 24 Hours:

Location: Municipal Courthouse Address: 1520 Market Street, Suite #1120, St. Louis, MO 63103 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm Phone: (314) 622-4941

Note: The Court Bond Window only accepts traffic warrants.

What to Bring When Posting Bond

To make the process as smooth as possible, bring:

• Cash for the full bond amount (no checks, credit cards, or payment plans)
• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• The arrested person’s full name and date of birth
• Case number (if available)

What to Expect After Posting Bond

After you’ve posted bond, the release process begins, but it’s not immediate:

1. Processing time: It typically takes several hours to process the release after bond is posted. This varies based on how busy the facility is and other factors.
2. Receipt: You’ll receive a receipt for the bond you posted. Keep this in a safe place – it’s important documentation.
3. Release location: Released individuals will exit through the front door of the City Justice Center at 200 South Tucker Boulevard.
4. Personal property: The person will be given back any personal property that was taken during booking.

Common Questions About the Bond Process

How long does it take for someone to be released after posting bond?

Expect the process to take several hours. While the exact time varies, it’s rarely immediate. System processing, shift changes, and facility volume all affect release times.

Who can post bond?

Any person 18 or older can post bond for someone. You don’t need to be related to the person or have any specific relationship with them.

When will I get the bond money back?

If you posted a cash bond, you may receive the money back after the case concludes, minus any court costs, fines, or fees. This process can take several months. If you used a bond bondsman, the fee you paid (typically 10%) is non-refundable.

What if I can’t afford the bond?

If you cannot afford the full bond amount, you have several options:

• Contact a bond bondsman (10% non-refundable fee)
• Request a bond reduction hearing (through an attorney)
• Wait for the initial court appearance where a judge might adjust bond or grant ROR

What happens if the person misses court after being released?

If someone fails to appear for their court date after being released on bond:

• The bond will be forfeited (you lose the money)
• A warrant will be issued for their arrest
• Additional charges for failure to appear may be added
• They may face higher bond or no bond option in the future

How Rose Legal Services Can Help

At Rose Legal Services, we have helped hundreds of clients through the arrest and bond process in St. Louis. Our attorneys are very experienced and well-trained in handling these situations.

We can assist with:

• Bond reduction hearings: We can petition the court to lower an unreasonably high bond amount.
• Court representation: Once released, your loved one will need legal representation for the charges they’re facing.
• Case evaluation: We can assess the charges and evidence to develop the best defense strategy.
• Negotiation with prosecutors: In many cases, we can negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
• Guidance throughout the process: We provide clear information about what to expect at each stage of the legal process.

Being arrested doesn’t have to derail someone’s entire life. With prompt action and proper legal guidance, we can help minimize the consequences and work toward the best possible outcome.

Act Quickly for the Best Results

The hours immediately following an arrest are critical. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in how long someone remains in custody and how their case proceeds.

We offer free consultations for individuals who don’t currently have an attorney or who are represented by a public defender. During this consultation, we’ll provide personalized guidance based on the specific circumstances of the arrest.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested in St. Louis, contact Rose Legal Services today for immediate assistance. Your defense starts with a conversation.