Sheriff Jeff Crites with the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department has launched a community education series, and the Daily Journal is pleased to share it with our readers. This installment informs about Missouri’s “Book and Release” law.

Missouri’s “Book and Release” Law

In 2019 Missouri passed legislation that changed how certain arrests are handled. Think you know what it means? Let’s find out!

Be sure to read the full explanation at the end of the quiz.

Question 1:

Under Missouri’s Book and Release law, what happens to individuals arrested for nonviolent offenses like trespassing or shoplifting?

A) They are held in jail until trial

B) They are immediately released without any charges

C) They are booked, given a court date, and released without being held in jail

D) They must post bail before release

Question 2:

Who decides whether someone is released under this law?

A) The arresting officer

B) The local police department

C) The law itself – officers must follow the statute

D) The Mayor

Question 3:

What is the primary goal of the Book and Release policy?

A) Increase jail occupancy

B) Reduce paperwork for police

C) Minimize unnecessary pretrial detention for low-level offenses

D) Eliminate court appearances

Question 4:

True or False: The Book and Release law applies to all criminal offenses in Missouri.

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Answers:

1. C – Individuals are processed (fingerprinted, photographed, etc.), given a court date, and released without being jailed.

2. C – Law enforcement does not make discretionary decisions about release; they are required to follow the statute.

3. C – The law aims to reduce strain on jails and avoid holding people unnecessarily for minor infractions.

4. False – It applies only to certain nonviolent, low-level offenses.

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Did you get them all right?

Missouri’s Book and Release legislation was enacted as part of broader criminal justice reforms that took effect in 2019. Specifically, the Missouri Supreme Court implemented new rules that changed how arrests and pretrial procedures are handled for certain nonviolent offenses. These rules were designed to reduce pretrial detention and ensure that individuals charged with low-level crimes are not held in jail because they can’t afford bail.

Missouri’s Book and Release law applies to a specific set of nonviolent, low-level offenses, where the goal is to avoid unnecessary pretrial detention for individuals who pose little risk to public safety. While the law doesn’t list every offense by name, here’s a general breakdown of the types of crimes typically covered:

Common Offenses Eligible for Book and Release

• Trespassing

• Shoplifting or petty theft

• Driving with a suspended license

• Disorderly conduct

• Minor drug possession (e.g., small amounts of marijuana)

• Vandalism (low-dollar damage)

• Public intoxication

• Failure to appear (in some cases)

These offenses are usually classified as misdemeanors or ordinance violations, and the law mandates that officers issue a citation and release the individual after booking, rather than holding them in jail.

Offenses Not Covered

The law does not apply to:

• Violent crimes (e.g., assault, robbery, domestic violence)

• Felony-level offenses

• Crimes involving weapons or threats

• Repeat offenses that indicate a flight risk or danger to the public

Law enforcement does not decide who gets released. The statute itself determines eligibility, and officers are required to follow it. This ensures consistent treatment across jurisdictions and removes discretionary bias from the process.

This information is a factual explanation of Missouri law and established criminal‑procedure rules. The details provided reflect statutory requirements and Missouri Supreme Court mandates, not personal opinion or commentary.

Stay safe and take care!