How Bail is Different For Felonies and Misdemeanors

 Posted on October 21, 2024 in Bail Bonds

Making bail after a typical misdemeanor offense, like a drunk driving charge or a simple assault, is usually a very quick and easy process. Bond is usually set low when the charges are not very serious. Bonding out of jail after being charged with a felony can be harder. Most people who are charged with a felony need the help of a licensed bail bondsman to get out of jail on pretrial release. Felonies are serious criminal charges, so there is more risk involved in releasing someone who is charged with one. If you need help getting out on bond, a licensed Dallas, TX bail bondsman can help.

People Facing Felony Charges Are a Flight Risk 

People facing misdemeanor charges are considered less of a flight risk. Few people are willing to spend the rest of their lives trying to avoid all contact with the police while risking additional, far more serious, charges to get out of a minor offense that may not lead to any jail time. However, people facing serious charges that carry years in prison are more likely to take the risk of fleeing.

Felonies May Involve Risk to the Community

People accused of misdemeanors are generally not seen as dangerous, with the notable exception of people who are facing domestic violence charges. Judges usually do not worry that the person charged with marijuana possession will hurt someone if she is released from jail. However, someone facing major weapons charges or even her third DWI might pose a threat to the community.

The More Serious The Charges, The Higher The Bond

Felonies run the gamut from charges like drug possession for personal use that rarely result in sentences longer than a few months to extreme homicide offenses that carry the death penalty. The more serious the crime, the higher the bail will probably be set. Judges consider many factors when setting bond amounts, but the seriousness of the crime is important.

Courts Can Deny Bond in Extreme Cases

The law normally favors allowing people to leave jail while they await trial with a reasonable bond to ensure that defendants return to court. However, bail is not an absolute right. If a defendant is already on probation and is accused of a violent or sexual crime, has prior felonies, or is charged with capital murder, bail may be denied outright.

Contact a Dallas County, TX Bail Bondsman

When you need an experienced Dallas, TX bail bondsman, Doc's Bail Bonds is here. We can help when bail is set high after a felony charge. Contact us at 214-747-4110 to speak to a licensed bondsman.