Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

My ex son-in-law is on probation (2 years) for assulting my daughter in 2008. He received probations for 2 years on a suspended sentence, drug and alcohol tesing and classes. He recently was arrested for a probation violation due to non-suuport, behind $6,500 child support . He had a $5,000 cash only bond and was able to bond out with a surety bond. What type of punishment is he looking at?. If any?. October of 2009 he also received a DWI which was later reduced to a misdemeanor and receive 2 days "shock time" in jail, a fine and 2 year un-supervisored probation. Now he is going back to court to modify child support because is was fired from his job in March and can't afford to pay child support!!! What type of punishment could he be facing for the probation violation of non-support and what exactly is a surety bond? thank you!


Asked on 6/18/10, 1:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

It is impossible to predict what someon will recieve for an allegation of violating theri probation, or for failure to pay chidl support where they have an open moition to Modify the support obligation. He could get significant jail time or just a stern look from the judge.

A surety bond is like an insurance policy. A bondsman, agres to pay the court if the detanee does not appear at court. For this agrement they charge a fee, (often about 10% of the bond amount). If the person fails to appear, the court often gives the surety (bondsman) a period of time in which to present the defendant. The bondsman may then hire someone (a bounty hunter) to find the defendant and bring them to jail so they can apepar before the judge. They bondsman pays afee to the bounty hunter usuual more thatn they charged the defendant, but less than they will have to pay the court if they cannot produce the defendant.

Good luck

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Answered on 6/21/10, 10:03 am


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