There are many factors in determining bail, and if you have been convicted of a crime, this is something you should be aware of. Since the number is not the same for every case, judges must come up with a cost that is appropriate based on certain factors. If you’re wondering how bail amounts are determined, keep on reading.
Factors in Determining the Amount of Bail
Evidence
Depending on the amount of evidence presented against an offender, the judge will consider if they are guilty or not. The judge will also consider the odds of them being sentenced based on the evidence. If it turns out that the defendant is guilty, the cost of a bail bond will be higher to discourage the offender from trying to run.
Criminal History
Determining the bail amount by crime is something a judge may consider during a bail bond hearing. If the offender has committed crimes in the past, the cost of bail will be higher to protect the community from the offender in the event of a repeat offense.
Flight Risk
A flight risk is an offender who is guilty and knows their chances of being given a harsh sentence is high, so they are likely to skip their trial. Flight risks also include people who have a passport, family in another country, or a track record of skipping bail in the past.
Public Safety
Another reason for high bail prices for crimes is public safety. If the offender has a history of violent behavior or has committed crimes in the past, they will be considered a risk to the community and bail will cost more.
Severity of Offense
The severity of the offender’s crime is another factor that determines the average bail amount. Heavy bail amounts typically apply to offenders who have common misdemeanors like DUIs, driving with a suspended license, and public intoxication. Even higher amounts apply to offenders who have committed crimes like murder, kidnapping, and assault. These offenders are considered to be dangerous to the public.
Current Criminal Status
The current criminal status of an offender is another major factor in setting bail. If the offender is already on probation, released from a previous crime, or on parole the cost of bail can be higher.
Defendant’s Source of Finances
If the offender’s income stems from previous criminal activity, the cost of bail will be higher. For example, if the offender was arrested for drug trafficking or selling, their income would have likely come from that role. In these cases, the judge will adjust bail accordingly to make sure the offender appears in court as they should.
Get Affordable Bail in Tarrant County, Texas
If your or someone you know needs bail for crimes they have committed in Texas, you can get help quickly. At PCS Bail Bonds you can get help from a 24-hour bail bondsman near Arlington, Texas.
With over 25 years of experience, we help our clients navigate the complex world of legal proceedings. We also have professional memberships in several renowned associations including the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, Professional Bondsmen of Tarrant County, and the Texas Process Servers Association. We also post affordable bail bonds, offering rates that are 10 percent lower than our competitors. Our bond agents are always on call and we can be down to the jail in as little as 30 minutes.
Contact us now by phone at 817-335-1655, at our e-mail, visit in-person, or fill out our bail bond request form. You’ll can be confident that you’re working with experts who are dedicated to helping you.
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