MS SB2597

Clarifies that defendants who failed to appear on a criminal charge within the preceding 12 months or failed to appear 2 or more times within the preceding 5 years are eligible for release only with a secured appearance bond in municipal court and justice court.

Allows (but does not require) courts to permit defendants to post cash bail in lieu of a surety or property bond, with the cash deposited with the sheriff and delivered to the county treasurer.

Permits designated officers to set bail according to Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure bond guidelines when the municipal judge or justice court judge is unavailable and has not otherwise provided for bail setting.

Requires justice court judges and conservators of the peace to check the Mississippi Protection Order Registry before ordering bail in domestic abuse cases and to consider any existing protection orders when determining bail.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.