By Bail Bond Calculated
For those unfamiliar with the legal system, bail can seem arbitrary and unfair. The reality is that there are a set of guidelines that judges use to calculate and set bail amounts for individuals who are accused of crimes. These guidelines are based on several factors, including severity of the crime and the defendant’s financial status and ability to coexist with their community.
The main reason the American legal system uses bail is to provide a financial incentive for individuals to show up for their court dates. The idea is that if a person does not show up for their scheduled court appearances, they will forfeit their bail money to the court and a warrant for their arrest will be issued. This provides a powerful incentive for people to show up for their court dates and allows the legal system to operate smoothly.
Generally, the more severe the crime the higher the bail amount will be. The judge will also take into account the likelihood that a defendant will not show up for their court date based on their history of nonappearance and other evidence that indicates the possibility of flight risk. If a judge believes that a person will not show up for their court date they may also deny them bail entirely.
How is Your Bail Bond Calculated?
If a defendant has close ties to their community, they are typically more likely to show up for their court dates. In addition, if they have a high net worth, it will be harder for them to make a run for it. For these reasons, a judge will often set a lower bail amount for people who have strong community ties.
Many states now use computer programs to help determine appropriate bail amounts for a specific type of case. These programs can quickly analyze a number of factors and recommend a bond amount to the judge. While these tools are helpful, the final decision of how much to set as bail still rests with the judge at the bond hearing.
For most defendants, the process of getting out of jail is complicated. If they are unable to pay the full amount of their bail, they will need to turn to a bail bonds to help them out. A bail bondsman will charge a percentage of the total bail amount, which is usually 10% but can vary by state. This fee helps the defendant avoid having to pay the entire amount of their bail in cash and can also save on potential collateral that may be required if they are charged with certain types of crimes.
To learn more about bail, contact us today! We are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day. Our professional attorneys will be happy to provide you with the information you need to understand the process and how it applies to your particular situation. We look forward to speaking with you soon!