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SECTION 1: Mississippi Bail Statutes (Title 99, Mississippi Code)
— Questions 1–8
Q1: Under Mississippi Code § 99-5-1, which of the following offenses is not bailable as a matter of
right before conviction?
A. First-degree murder committed with deliberate design to kill
B. Felony theft of property valued at $2,500
C. Aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury
D. Burglary of a dwelling under § 97-17-23
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,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mississippi Code § 99-5-1 establishes that all persons charged with criminal offenses are
bailable before conviction except those charged with capital offenses where the proof is evident or
the presumption great. First-degree murder with deliberate design to kill constitutes a capital offense
under Mississippi law, and bail may be denied by the court in such cases. Option B (felony theft) is a
non-capital felony fully bailable under the statute. Option C (aggravated assault) and Option D
(burglary of a dwelling) are both serious felonies but remain bailable offenses under § 99-5-1. For MS
Bail Exam candidates, it is critical to distinguish capital offenses from non-capital felonies, as this
distinction determines whether a defendant has a constitutional right to bail or whether the court
retains discretion to deny it entirely.
Q2: Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 99-5-5, a bail bond executed by a surety company must be
approved by which official before it becomes effective?
A. The sheriff of the county where the charge is pending
B. The clerk of the court or the judge presiding over the case
C. The Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance
D. The district attorney prosecuting the case
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mississippi Code § 99-5-5 specifically requires that all bail bonds, including those executed
by corporate sureties, must be approved by the clerk of the court or the judge before whom the
,defendant is to appear. This statutory approval mechanism ensures the bond meets all legal
requirements and that the surety is qualified to act. Option A is incorrect because the sheriff does not
have statutory authority to approve bonds; the sheriff's role is primarily custodial and
enforcement-related. Option C is incorrect because while the Commissioner of Insurance licenses and
regulates surety companies, the Commissioner does not approve individual bonds in criminal
proceedings. Option D is incorrect because the district attorney represents the state's interest in
prosecution and has no statutory role in bond approval. MS bail agents must understand that court
or clerk approval is the final step before a bond becomes legally binding.
Q3: Under Mississippi Code § 99-5-25, within what timeframe must a surety or bail bond agent file an
application to set aside a bail bond forfeiture after the forfeiture has been entered by the court?
A. Within 30 days of the date of forfeiture
B. Within 120 days of the date of forfeiture
C. Within 180 days of the date of forfeiture
D. Within 90 days of the date of forfeiture
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mississippi Code § 99-5-25 establishes a 120-day window from the date of forfeiture
during which a surety or bail bond agent may file an application to set aside the forfeiture, provided
the defendant is produced in court or valid grounds for remission exist. This 120-day period is a strict
statutory deadline, and failure to act within it generally results in the forfeiture becoming final. Option
A (30 days) is too short and does not reflect Mississippi law. Option C (180 days) exceeds the
, statutory limit and would allow sureties excessive time to delay resolution. Option D (90 days) is also
incorrect, though closer to the correct timeframe. MS bail agents must calendar this 120-day deadline
immediately upon notice of forfeiture, as missing it eliminates the opportunity for remission and can
result in significant financial loss to the surety company and agent.
Q4: According to Mississippi Code § 99-5-27, what is the maximum percentage of a bail bond
forfeiture that a court may remit if the surety demonstrates reasonable diligence in attempting to
locate and surrender the defendant?
A. 50% of the forfeited amount
B. 75% of the forfeited amount
C. 100% of the forfeited amount
D. 90% of the forfeited amount
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Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mississippi Code § 99-5-27 grants courts discretionary authority to remit up to 100% of a
bail bond forfeiture when the surety demonstrates reasonable diligence in attempting to locate and
surrender the defendant, or when the defendant's failure to appear was due to circumstances beyond
the surety's control. This full remission provision recognizes that sureties should not be penalized
when they have acted in good faith. Option A (50%) and Option B (75%) understate the court's
remission authority. Option D (90%) is also incorrect. However, it is important for MS bail exam
candidates to note that full remission is not automatic; the surety bears the burden of proving
reasonable diligence through documented efforts such as skip tracing, surveillance reports, and