Ralls County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Ralls County bail: New London cases, the Palmyra jail, and release
New London is the seat of Ralls County, which takes in Perry, Center, Ilasco, the south side of Hannibal, and the dam end of Mark Twain Lake along the Salt River. Ralls doesn't run its own jail, so people arrested here are usually housed in Palmyra, in Marion County. This page explains how that works for bail. Inmate search: Ralls County Inmate Search.
Where Ralls arrestees are held
Ralls prisoners are typically housed at the Marion County Jail, 1703 Marion City Road, Palmyra, MO 63461, phone 573-769-2077. The case itself stays with Ralls County, so the court, bail decisions, and refunds belong to New London, not Palmyra.
The Ralls sheriff in New London
The Ralls County Sheriff's Office is at 209 E 4th St, New London, MO 63459 (mail to PO Box 309), phone 573-985-5611. Call there with questions about a Ralls arrest, warrant, or bond.
Ralls court contact
A circuit clerk number for New London wasn't confirmed for this guide. The New London deputies can point you to the Ralls court office, and Case.net lists Ralls filings too.
Finding a Ralls prisoner
Start with the Ralls County Inmate Search. Since the person is likely sitting in Palmyra, you may also need to ask the Marion County Jail directly. Give the full legal name and birthdate.
What to ask about a Ralls arrest
- Was it a Ralls deputy, Hannibal police, a park ranger, or the Highway Patrol?
- Is the person in Palmyra, or held somewhere else?
- What Ralls charge, and has New London set bail?
- Does the bond get posted at Palmyra or with the Ralls court?
- Any Marion, Pike, Monroe, or Illinois holds?
Hannibal arrests on the Ralls side
A slice of southern Hannibal lies in Ralls County. A Hannibal arrest there could be a Ralls state case rather than Marion's, depending on location. Ask which county filed before you go anywhere to post.
Ralls with no bail set
After a warrantless arrest, Ralls deputies can keep the person roughly 24 hours as the Ralls prosecutor reviews charges. Once filed, a 10th Circuit judge sets terms; a served Ralls warrant may already state bail.
The 10th Circuit
Marion, Monroe, and Ralls together form the 10th Circuit. New London cases usually start in associate court.
How New London judges set release
Missouri's Rule 33.01 wants a New London judge to pick the gentlest terms able to bring a Ralls defendant back and protect people in Perry or Center. Cash isn't the default, and an amount should fit the person's means.
Ralls recognizance
Ralls defendants are sometimes let go on a written pledge. The New London order may also tell them to keep clear of the accuser, avoid liquor, be home by dark, or call in weekly. Work in Hannibal or New London helps.
Kinds of Ralls bail
- A signature bond.
- Cash for the full amount.
- A ten percent deposit, if allowed.
- A licensed agent's surety.
- Ralls County real estate.
- Monitoring or supervision.
Waiting in Palmyra for a Ralls judge
Ralls court runs on a schedule, so a weekend lake arrest may sit in Palmyra until the next New London session. Rule 33.05 lets counsel seek review of unaffordable bail.
Hannibal bondsmen for Ralls cases
Agents in Hannibal commonly write Ralls bonds and know the Palmyra routine. The agent backs the full bail for a premium, often about a tenth, which isn't returned. Ask about collateral and the co-signer's obligations.
A Missouri DCI license is required; Illinois agents from Quincy can't post Missouri bonds.
Ralls property bonds
A New London house or Ralls farm can sometimes secure bail if a judge approves. Expect to show a deed, loan balance, and value.
Where to pay Ralls bail
Because the jail and court are in different counties, call the Ralls sheriff at 573-985-5611 or the Palmyra jail at 573-769-2077 first. Ask where the bond can be posted at your arrival time and which payments are accepted. Bring photo ID.
Cards for a Ralls bond
Card policies at Palmyra and New London weren't confirmed. Ask, and carry a money order in case.
Who can post for a Ralls defendant
Most adults holding photo identification may. Whoever's name appears on the Ralls receipt is normally who the New London court repays.
Getting out of Palmyra
When Ralls bail is accepted, Palmyra jailers run one more check for warrants, hand back what was taken at booking, and send the Ralls defendant out the Marion City Road door. Plan the ride; New London is about twenty minutes south.
Mark Twain Lake and Salt River arrests
Arrests at the dam area or campgrounds may involve the Highway Patrol's water division, park rangers, or Ralls deputies. Parts of the lake are in Monroe County, so confirm which county filed.
Illinois warrants
Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, are across the river from Hannibal. If Illinois wants the person, that warrant can keep them in Palmyra even after New London accepts Ralls bail, and Illinois may begin extradition. Ask a Ralls lawyer before signing any waiver.
Marion, Pike, and Monroe holds
Posting Ralls bail resolves only Ralls charges. Another county's warrant from Marion, Pike, Monroe, or Audrain must be resolved on its own before release. Being housed in Marion's jail doesn't merge the cases.
Probation and immigration holds
State probation, other courts, and immigration officers can each place detainers that Ralls bail doesn't clear.
New London and Perry city tickets
New London or Perry may hear city ordinance tickets in a local court that sets its own bail, so read the top of the Ralls citation.
Ralls papers to keep
Hold onto the release order listing each New London date and condition, and the receipt showing who paid. Photos help.
When a Ralls defendant breaks a rule
Picture a Center man released on a sobriety order who gets stopped for boating while intoxicated below the Salt River dam. New London's prosecutor files to revoke, and the circuit judge could send deputies to pick him up, increase his Ralls bond, or keep him in Palmyra until trial. A work schedule that conflicts with a Ralls curfew should go to the lawyer before the first late shift.
Hannibal agents giving a Ralls client back
Bondsmen who write Ralls paper usually keep the power to deliver the defendant back to Palmyra and cancel their guarantee when phone calls stop or a move across the river seems planned.
Asking New London to lower bail
A Ralls defense attorney may move in writing for a smaller Ralls amount or softer terms. A lease in Perry, a paycheck from a Hannibal employer, and kids at home all help that motion.
Finding Ralls files online
On Case.net, select the 10th Circuit, then Ralls. Because Marion and Monroe filings appear in the same circuit, confirm Ralls is listed as the county.
Who refunds Ralls cash
Palmyra doesn't. After a Ralls case closes with perfect attendance, the New London judge exonerates the bond and the Ralls court mails the money, typically to whoever paid, after subtracting fines or costs. Expect a wait of weeks; let the Ralls court know if you move.
The Ralls bondsman's fee
Hannibal agents earn their premium the moment the defendant walks out of Palmyra. Pledged security comes back under the agreement once New London discharges the bond.
Ralls charges that get dropped
Bail ends with a Ralls dismissal, and a cash deposit is returned less lawful deductions. File the dismissal safely because New London prosecutors may refile.
A skipped New London hearing
Missing Ralls court usually leads to an arrest warrant and a forfeiture motion. The Hannibal agent may track the client down and send the bill to the co-signer. Tell the lawyer about a flat tire or a sick child before the hearing, not after.
Teenagers arrested in Ralls
Young people go to the juvenile office serving Marion, Monroe, and Ralls instead of the adult bail system. When a Perry or New London teen can't safely return home, juvenile staff may arrange a regional placement. Parents should call them as early as they can.
A state lawyer for a Ralls case
Someone who can't pay a private attorney can ask the New London court to appoint a public defender at the first hearing, after filling out an income form. That attorney can push for Ralls conditions the family can live with.
Federal charges from Ralls
Missouri's Eastern District handles Ralls federal cases at its Hannibal courthouse in the Northern Division. A magistrate decides release there; neither Palmyra nor New London collects federal bail. The Eastern District site has the details.
Call ahead before driving to Palmyra
Two phone calls save a wasted trip. Reach the Ralls sheriff in New London at 573-985-5611 and the Palmyra jail at 573-769-2077. Ask where your relative is housed, what Ralls bail was set and in which form, whether other holds exist, and exactly where and how to post.
Keep a photo ID and the Ralls booking number with you. This page is a general explanation; a defense lawyer can speak to the particular New London charge.
Ralls County Jail
Address:
Marion County Jail
1703 Marion City Rd.
Palmyra, MO 63461
Phone:
573-769-2077
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Ralls County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ralls County?
Who can set bail in Ralls County?
When is bail set in Ralls County Missouri?
Does Ralls County have bail?
Yes, Ralls County recognizes most types of bonds and bail conditions.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ralls County?
The Ralls County court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Bail is available in several forms including a recognizance bond, uncompensated sureties, 10% cash bond or cash bond.
In Missouri, Uncompensated Sureties make it so an individual may act as their own surety if they are at least 21 years of age and a resident of the state of MO. They must have net assets with a value in excess of exemptions at least equal or greater than the amount of the bond set.
They cannot have been found guilty or pled no contest within the past 15 years to any felony charge and they can’t have any outstanding unsatisfied judgment entered on any bail bond in any court in Missouri or the US.
POST YOUR OWN 10% CASH BOND: Bonds are generally set at a specified cash amount by the court. In Missouri, the defendant is in most instances entitled to be released upon payment of a 10% cash fee paid to the Court Clerk as the bond. This money, unlike money paid to a bondsman, is then refunded to the defendant at the conclusion of the case.
This money will not be refunded to the defendant at the conclusion of the case if you have any court costs due etc. and will instead be applied to those costs which is 99% of the time almost always the case.
Who can set bail in Ralls County?
Some offenses have preset bail according to a bail schedule and can be processed at the jail without waiting for a judge. In other cases, the bail will be set by a judge.
When is bail set in Ralls County Missouri?
For some offenses is set according to a pre-determined bail schedule. If this is the case the jail will inform the defendant of the bail amount during processing. In other cases, bail will be set by a judge. A bail hearing is generally scheduled within 48 hours of arrest.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Ralls County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Ralls County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Ralls County Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different. The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions. Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Ralls County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Ralls County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.
Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.
Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.
You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over. This is one of the more popular bonds in Missouri.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
In Missouri, Uncompensated Sureties make it so an individual may act as their own surety if they are at least 21 years of age and a resident of the state of MO. They must have net assets with a value in excess of exemptions at least equal or greater than the amount of the bond set.
They cannot have been found guilty or pled no contest within the past 15 years to any felony charge and they can’t have any outstanding unsatisfied judgment entered on any bail bond in any court in Missouri or the US.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Ralls County have bail?
Yes, Ralls County recognizes most types of bonds and bail conditions.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ralls County?
The Ralls County court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Bail is available in several forms including a recognizance bond, uncompensated sureties, 10% cash bond or cash bond.
In Missouri, Uncompensated Sureties make it so an individual may act as their own surety if they are at least 21 years of age and a resident of the state of MO. They must have net assets with a value in excess of exemptions at least equal or greater than the amount of the bond set.
They cannot have been found guilty or pled no contest within the past 15 years to any felony charge and they can’t have any outstanding unsatisfied judgment entered on any bail bond in any court in Missouri or the US.
POST YOUR OWN 10% CASH BOND: Bonds are generally set at a specified cash amount by the court. In Missouri, the defendant is in most instances entitled to be released upon payment of a 10% cash fee paid to the Court Clerk as the bond. This money, unlike money paid to a bondsman, is then refunded to the defendant at the conclusion of the case.
This money will not be refunded to the defendant at the conclusion of the case if you have any court costs due etc. and will instead be applied to those costs which is 99% of the time almost always the case.
Who can set bail in Ralls County?
Some offenses have preset bail according to a bail schedule and can be processed at the jail without waiting for a judge. In other cases, the bail will be set by a judge.
When is bail set in Missouri?
For some offenses is set according to a pre-determined bail schedule. If this is the case the jail will inform the defendant of the bail amount during processing. In other cases, bail will be set by a judge. A bail hearing is generally scheduled within 48 hours of arrest.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Ralls County Missouri?
You can get the court to reduce an excessive bond - sometimes if the bond is set unfairly high, it can be reduced to a more manageable amount by an attorney – your own or court appointed/public defender. This can usually be accomplished early in proceedings shortly after arrest.
In Ralls County Missouri, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail could be the arrested, a relative or close friend. All could be considered a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Missouri could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Ralls County Missouri?
Missouri counties do not currently process online payments for bail. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: Go to the Ralls County Jail for more information about the jails in Ralls County.
What options are there to pay bail in Ralls County Missouri?
All Ralls County courts accept cash or surety from a bail bonds agent. Some courts allow payment via credit or debit card, money order or cashier’s check. Go to the Ralls County Jail for more information about posting bail in Ralls County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Missouri?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail and in Missouri, usually to the defendant. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Ralls County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up. A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Missouri?
The Ralls County Jail or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.
The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.