Bail is an indispensable part of the American justice system. It’s a way of allowing defendants to prepare for trial at home whilst giving the justice system some collateral.
But how is bail determined? If you or a loved one has a bail hearing coming up, there are a few things you’ll need to know about how bail is determined. There are no standard amounts that are set depending on the crime the defendant is accused of.
Rather, those wondering how is bail amount determined should know that it will depend on several factors. Here is everything you need to know about how the judge determines your bail.
How Is Bail Determined: The Nature of the Crime
If you’re looking to cover your bail with bail bonds in Raleigh, NC, the most important thing to bear in mind is that the nature of the crime will have a dramatic impact on the bail amount.
If the charge is a nonviolent, small-scale crime such as shoplifting, speeding, or public drunkenness, the amount will likely be small. Probably just a few hundred dollars.
However, if you have committed a violent or a felony crime, expect to pay much more. It is not unheard of for bail amount to be set to six or seven-figure sums, although this is very rare.
Previous Record
Your previous record will decide how much you’ll need in bail bonds. If you already have a criminal record, expect the bail to be much higher than it would be if this is your first offense.
If you have an extensive criminal record, it is more than likely that you will be denied bail completely. In addition, if you have committed a crime while on parole, you will not be granted bail anywhere in the state or in the country.
Trustworthiness of Defendant
In our experience in providing bail bonds Raleigh NC, we’ve learned that the trustworthiness of the defendant is always at the top of the judge’s mind. First and foremost, this determines whether you are considered a ‘flight risk.’
This means whether the judge thinks you will flee once you are let out on bail. If your history or personality suggests this is the case, bail may be set to a very high sum to guarantee good behavior.
The judge will also consider whether or not you can be trusted not to interfere with the case against you. This includes intimidating witnesses or attempting to tamper with evidence.
Community Standing
Before you start Googling “bail bonds near me,” remember that your own history isn’t the only thing a judge will look at. When considering bail, they may choose to consult your community to assess your reputation.
They will look at any community work you might have done, any good deeds, and anything else which might suggest you are a trustworthy person.
If the community holds you in high regard, this will likely lower the amount your bail will be set at.
Get Your Bail Covered Today
Now that you can answer the question, “How is bail determined?”, you can get yourself covered. To access affordable, straightforward bail bonds today, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team.
