Did you know that North Carolina has the fourth-highest rate of domestic violence in the United States? Domestic violence is terrible all around, and if you get arrested, you can face jail time, fines, and more.
Not to mention the cost of getting out of jail while waiting for your court hearing. But, how much is bail for domestic violence in Raleigh, North Carolina?
Keep reading to learn about the factors surrounding the cost of bail in your domestic violence case.
Understand How Domestic Violence Charges Work in North Carolina
In North Carolina, crimes of domestic violence are often prosecuted under other crimes. For example, you might be charged with a misdemeanor assault.
However, if a crime occurs in a domestic violence context where a “personal relationship” exists, they can add other terms to probation. The judge can also issue a domestic violence protection order.
Some of the requirements the judge can add include:
- Medical treatment
- Psychiatric treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Treatment
- Training
- Abstain from alcohol and submit to monitoring
- House arrest
When you get arrested for domestic violence, the crime you are charged with will play a significant factor in the cost of bail.
How Much Is Bail for Domestic Violence?
Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer to this question, and often there’s not even a quick answer. In North Carolina, there is a 48-hour rule that states only a judge can set your bail terms within the first 48 hours. This law helps protect domestic violence victims who could be at risk due to their partner retaliating because law enforcement was involved.
This law goes into effect if you’ve been charged with assault, stalking, communicating a threat, or committing a felony against someone you have a personal relationship with. This can include a spouse, former spouse, someone you live with, or someone you’re in a dating relationship with.
It also applies to domestic criminal trespass cases and violations of domestic violence protection orders under Chapter 50B. However, this law does not allow you to be held for 48 hours before a hearing if a judge is available.
If a judge is available and you’re not presented, your case could get dismissed. After 48 hours, your bail terms can get set by a magistrate.
What Factors Play Into the Cost of Bail?
When you are brought before a judge, there are many factors considered. These factors will ultimately help the judge determine your bail terms.
The Crime
The judge or magistrate will factor in the nature of the crime committed. More severe crimes have heavier consequences. However, there are some guidelines that judges can use to help determine your bail terms.
Suggested bail bonds for North Carolina are dependent on the class of crime you’re charged with. Some of the suggested amounts include:
- Class 3 misdemeanors: 100 to 250 dollars
- Class 2 misdemeanors: 200 to 500 dollars
- Class 1 misdemeanors: 250 to 1000 dollars
- Class A1 misdemeanors: 500 to 1,500 dollars
- Class I felonies: 2,500 to 10,000 dollars
- Class H felonies: 10,000 to 30,000 dollars
- Class G felonies: 25,000 to 40,000 dollars
- Class F felonies: 35,000 to 50,000 dollars
- Class E felonies: 40,000 to 60,000 dollars
- Class D felonies: 50,000 to 100,000 dollars
- Class C felonies: 75,000 to 150,000 dollars
- Class B2 felonies: 200,000 to 500,000 dollars
- Class B1 felonies: 250,000 to 1,000,000 dollars
As you can see, the more severe the crime, the higher your bail will get set. However, keep in mind these are only suggested amounts. A judge or magistrate can set a lower or higher amount if they feel it’s warranted.
Evidence
Your judge or magistrate will also consider the amount of evidence against you. More evidence against you could result in a higher bail amount.
Ties to the Community
Bail helps make sure you’re not sitting in jail for a crime you might not be guilty of while awaiting trial. However, it also helps ensure that you will show up when your trial does come around. If you don’t, you forfeit your bail.
Despite this, some people might decide that they have a better chance of running than facing the consequences ahead. A judge or magistrate looks at your ties to the community to see if you’re a flight risk.
Some of the factors that play into this include:
- Family ties
- Employment status and history
- Length of time living in the community
- History of failure to appear
- Character and reputation
Finances
Not having the ability to make bail defeats the purpose of it. In addition, a lower bail amount for someone with significant resources might not deter them from fleeing.
Because of that, your finances are considered when determining your bail amount. This means if you don’t have much money, your bail could be set lower than the suggested amounts.
However, someone with access to large amounts of money might be given a higher bail amount.
History
If you have a criminal history, it can impact your bail amount. First-time offenders are more likely to get lower bail amounts or even released on their own recognizance.
But, if you have a history of criminal charges, the judge or magistrate needs to take more into consideration, including whether or not you might be a danger to the community if you are released on bail.
Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
Any history of mental illness and substance abuse also gets looked at. Your current condition is also factored in.
If your mental state or level of intoxication would make you a danger to yourself or the community, this impacts your bail amount.
Find a Bail Bonds Agent Today
So, how much is bail for domestic violence in Raleigh, North Carolina? It depends on what crime you’re charged with and many other factors.
If you need help making bail, let us make the process as stress-free as possible. Raleigh Bail Bonds is just a phone call away. Contact us today.
