Pierce v. City of Velda Settlement Agreement Order

2015 lawsuit challenging Velda City, MO practice of holding individuals for 3 days before being seen by a judge if they were unable to post the bond set. Litigation mooted by settlement agreement to discontinue practice and put in place a number of safeguards for misdemeanor arrestees. 

Documents

Class action lawsuit filed in Eastern District of Missouri alleging the City's use of a fixed bail schedule violated the due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment.

Terms of the settlement agreement included the City would use non-monetary release (unsecured and personal recognizance bonds) for all individuals that were not deemed dangers to the community and to only hold individuals if they failed to appeared for three or more court dates. This case is now closed. 

Read the full case history 
 

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