Massachusetts § 24 - Bail fees; bail taken outside of regular working hours; persons authorized to take bail; restriction on delegation
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 24 — Bail fees; bail taken outside of regular working hours; persons authorized to take bail; restriction on delegation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24. Bail fees; bail taken outside of regular working hours; persons authorized to take bail; restriction on delegation
Section 24. (a) The maximum fee to be charged by a person authorized to take bail or release on personal recognizance in the case of a person arrested for any misdemeanor or felony shall be $80.
(b) The trial court shall be responsible for paying fees charged to take bail outside of regular working hours pursuant to this section and any fee charged pursuant to this section for a bail taken outside of regular working hours shall be charged only to the trial court. Fee splitting arrangements shall be prohibited.
(c) A person authorized to take bail may administer through wire or electronic means any oath or affirmation required in the course of taking bail or releasing on personal recognizance. No person authorized to take bail shall delegate: (i) the setting or taking of bail; or (ii) the setting or taking of release on personal recognizance to any other person.
(d) A person authorized to take bail shall receive the fee under subsection (a) after determining the terms of release and the prisoner ultimately recognizes out-of-court.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 24
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 24 cover?
Section 24 ("Bail fees; bail taken outside of regular working hours; persons authorized to take bail; restriction on delegation") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 24?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 24" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 24 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.