Scott County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Scott County bail: the Benton jail and how release works
Benton is the small seat of Scott County, but most of the people live in Sikeston, Scott City, Chaffee, Oran, Kelso, and Vanduser. Interstates 55 and 57 cross the county, and Illinois is just over the river near Cairo. Here's how Scott bail works. Inmate search: Scott County Inmate Search.
Benton's jail on New Madrid Street
Scott detainees go to the Scott County Jail, 131 S. New Madrid Street, Benton, MO 63736, phone 573-545-3530. The sheriff's office answers at 573-545-3525, mail PO Box 279, Benton, MO 63736.
Clerk of the Scott circuit
Send Benton court mail to PO Box 587, Benton, MO 63736, or phone 573-545-3596 about hearing dates and weekday bond filings.
Searching the Benton roster
Use the Scott County Inmate Search. If a Sikeston booking hasn't posted, call New Madrid Street and spell the legal name with a date of birth.
Sikeston straddles two counties
Sikeston sits partly in Scott and partly in New Madrid County. An arrest on the north side may lead to Benton, while one south of the line may go to New Madrid. Sikeston police can tell you whether Benton or New Madrid has the file.
Questions for New Madrid Street
- Was the arrest by Sikeston police, Scott City police, a Scott deputy, or a trooper on I-55 or I-57?
- What's the Scott charge?
- Is Benton bail set, and will a surety work?
- Holds from Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, New Madrid, Stoddard, or Illinois?
- When is the first Benton hearing?
Scott arrests with no warrant
When Scott officers arrest without a warrant, Missouri gives them roughly 24 hours of custody as the Benton prosecutor decides on charges. After filing, a 33rd Circuit judge controls bail; a Scott warrant may carry its own figure.
The 33rd Circuit in Benton
Scott and Mississippi counties share the 33rd Judicial Circuit. Scott cases typically start in associate circuit court in Benton.
How Benton judges weigh release
Rule 33.01 asks the Scott judge for the lightest conditions that will bring the defendant back to Benton and keep Sikeston or Chaffee neighbors safe. Cash isn't the default, and a warehouse or farm paycheck should shape any amount.
Scott own-recognizance bonds
A Benton judge may release on a signature. Scott conditions can include no contact, sobriety, a curfew, or calling pretrial staff. A Scott City job and Sikeston family count.
Scott bail methods
- A signature release in Benton.
- Full cash.
- Ten percent where the order says so.
- A Sikeston or Benton bondsman's surety.
- Scott real estate.
- Supervision or GPS.
Waiting for a Benton judge
The 33rd Circuit sits on business days, so a Saturday arrest on I-57 may leave someone on New Madrid Street until a Scott judge reviews it. A Rule 33.05 motion gives Benton counsel a way to ask for review.
Sikeston and Benton bondsmen
Agents in Sikeston, Benton, and Cape Girardeau write Scott bonds. Each one guarantees the full amount and charges about ten percent. Ask for co-signer duties and collateral terms in writing.
Scott bondsmen must carry a Missouri DCI license.
Scott property bonds
A Sikeston house or Scott farmland can sometimes secure bail if a 33rd Circuit judge accepts it. The Benton clerk may need the deed, mortgage figures, and a value.
Paying at the Benton jail
Call 573-545-3530 to learn which payments the Benton jail takes when you plan to arrive, and if daytime bonds go to the clerk. Bring photo ID.
Cards at the Scott jail
Card acceptance in Benton wasn't confirmed. Check during the call, and carry a Sikeston money order just in case.
Who may post Scott bail
Usually any adult with ID. The Benton clerk refunds the payer on the Scott receipt.
Release onto New Madrid Street
When Scott's bond is accepted, Benton deputies check for other holds, return belongings, and release the person in Benton. Sikeston is about 15 miles south, so plan a ride.
I-55 and I-57 stops in Scott
The two interstates meet near Sikeston, and troopers stop many travelers there. A driver from Memphis, Chicago, or St. Louis booked in Benton can post Scott bail and go home but must return for each hearing unless excused.
Illinois holds and Scott arrests
Scott City and Chaffee residents often cross into Illinois. An Illinois warrant can keep someone in Benton after Scott bail. Illinois ended cash bail in 2023, so the Illinois side runs on different rules. Extradition goes before a 33rd Circuit judge.
Warrants from Mississippi, New Madrid, or Cape Girardeau
Scott bail clears only the Scott case. Holds from Mississippi, New Madrid, Cape Girardeau, Stoddard, or elsewhere need separate handling.
Other agencies holding Benton inmates
Probation officers, federal agents, and immigration can keep someone on New Madrid Street after Scott bail.
Sikeston and Scott City municipal tickets
Sikeston, Scott City, and Chaffee each could keep a city court whose ordinance bail is apart from Benton's. Look at which court the ticket names.
Benton paperwork to save
The Scott release order lists dates and rules; the receipt shows the payer. Keep both and photograph them.
A Scott bail violation example
Say a Vanduser man on bond for theft is ordered to stay away from a Sikeston store and is spotted there. The Scott prosecutor may move to revoke, and the 33rd Circuit judge could issue a warrant, raise bail, or return him to New Madrid Street. A condition that's hard to follow should go to counsel quickly.
Bondsmen returning Scott clients
A Sikeston agent can usually surrender a Scott client at the Benton jail and end coverage when calls stop or the client plans to move.
Reducing Scott bail
Benton defense counsel may ask for lower bail or lighter terms, citing a Scott home, steady job, and children.
Looking up Scott files
On Case.net, choose the 33rd Circuit and then Scott. Mississippi County cases share that circuit, so confirm the county.
Scott refunds
After a Scott case closes with every Benton date kept, the bond is discharged and the clerk sends Scott cash back to the receipt's payer once court debts are taken out. Expect some weeks; give 573-545-3596 a new address if you move.
Scott bondsman fees
The agent's premium stays with the agent after release. Pledged property returns under the contract once Benton discharges the bond.
Scott dismissals
When Benton drops a Scott case, bail ends and the clerk refunds cash after lawful deductions. Keep the dismissal; the prosecutor may refile.
Skipping a Benton hearing
Skipping court in Benton usually triggers a Scott warrant plus bond forfeiture, and a Sikeston bondsman may track the client and call on the co-signer. Tell your lawyer about problems before court.
Scott juveniles
Benton youth cases are handled by the 33rd Circuit juvenile office instead of adult bail. When a Sikeston or Benton youngster needs a bed away from home, juvenile staff find one in the region, so Scott parents ought to phone fast.
Scott public defender
Benton defendants who can't afford counsel can apply for a public defender. Assigned counsel can argue for a Scott bail the family can meet.
Federal Scott cases
Federal charges from Scott go to Cape Girardeau, in the Southeastern Division of the Eastern District. A magistrate sets release, not Benton. See the Eastern District site.
Scott bail for a Sikeston rodeo weekend
The Sikeston rodeo each summer brings big crowds. Fights or DWI arrests that weekend may be handled by Sikeston police or Scott deputies. Visitors can post bail and leave, but must come back for every Benton or Sikeston court date.
Scott bail for a Mississippi River port worker
Scott City and Chaffee sit near river terminals and rail yards. A worker on a barge or rail crew may face long shifts away from home. If a Benton curfew or check-in rule can't fit that work, ask counsel to show the Scott judge the schedule and seek terms that allow the job to continue.
Scott bail after a crash on US-61 or US-60
Serious crashes on US-61 near Kelso or US-60 near Sikeston can lead to charges like DWI or leaving the scene. A Benton judge may add rules such as no driving or an ignition interlock. Ask the lawyer how those Scott terms affect getting to work.
Call Benton first
Phone 573-545-3530. Confirm the person is still on New Madrid Street, which county filed the charge, the Scott bail amount, any holds, and payment options. The Scott circuit clerk answers weekdays at 573-545-3596.
Carry ID and the Benton booking number. This is general Scott bail information; Benton counsel can speak to the specific Scott case.
Scott County Jail
Address:
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone:
573-545-3530
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Scott County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Scott County?
Who can set bail in Scott County?
When is bail set in Scott County Missouri?
Does Scott County have bail?
Yes, Scott County recognizes most types of bonds and bail conditions.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Scott County?
The Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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, Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott County have bail?
Yes, Scott County recognizes most types of bonds and bail conditions.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Scott County?
The Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott County Jail for more information about the jails in Scott County.
What options are there to pay bail in Scott County Missouri?
All Scott 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 Scott County Jail for more information about posting bail in Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott 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.