Do You Need to See a Judge Before Posting Bail in Minnesota?

When someone is arrested in the Twin Cities metro area or elsewhere in Minnesota, they are taken into custody and brought before a judge. The judge will then decide whether to set bail, deny it, or release the defendant on their own recognizance. If bail is set, the judge determines the amount required for the defendant’s release. In Minnesota, defendants can typically pay the bail amount directly to the court or work with a trusted bail bondsman. This process is an essential part of the criminal justice system in Minnesota. A common question we receive is whether you need to wait to see a judge before posting bail.