What Factors Will Increase the Amount of Bail I Will Need to Pay?

 Posted on May 23, 2022 in Bail Bonds

Being arrested and charged with a crime can be bad enough on its own, but to make matters even worse, a court is likely to require a person to pay a certain amount of money before they can get out of jail. Bail is meant to make sure a person will follow the court’s requirements, show up for future hearings or other court proceedings, and remain in the area during their criminal case. The amount of bail can be high, because a court will want to prevent a person from fleeing in order to avoid prosecution. Fortunately, bail bonds are available to help a person or their loved ones pay these amounts. Those who will be paying for a bail bond will want to understand the factors that may lead to larger amounts of bail.

Issues That May Lead to Higher Bail Amounts

When setting bail, a judge may consider a number of different factors that are relevant to a case, including:

• Bail schedules - Some courts have adopted standard bail amounts that apply for certain offenses. This may simplify the process of setting bail in some cases, although it will not consider unique factors that may play a role in a certain situation. In Texas, a judge is required to consider a person’s ability to pay bail, and a person with limited financial resources may be able to show that the standard amount of bail would not be appropriate in their case.

• The severity of the offense(s) - Bail will be higher for more serious crimes. In many cases, police officers and law enforcement officials will attempt to pursue the most serious charges possible, and a person may be charged with multiple offenses. This may lead to increased amounts of bail, especially if a person is charged with a felony rather than a misdemeanor.

• Previous criminal convictions or arrests - If a person is seen as a repeat offender, they will likely be required to pay a higher amount of bail.

• Risks to public safety or the victims of an alleged crime - A judge will consider whether a person is likely to act in a way that endangers others after they are released. If a person is charged with a violent crime or has previously been convicted of an offense such as assault, they will likely be required to pay higher amounts of bail. If a person is being charged with an offense related to domestic violence, a judge may place conditions on bail, such as preventing a person from contacting their alleged victim or other family members.

• Flight risk - A judge will want to make sure a person will show up for legal proceedings during their case, so if it seems like they are likely to flee the area or leave the country, bail may be increased. When evaluating this issue, a judge may look at a person’s ties to the community, such as whether they own a home or have a lease on an apartment, whether they have had a steady job, and whether they have family members in the area. For those who are not U.S. citizens, their immigration status may also be considered, and a judge may look at whether they are likely to return to their home country during their case.

Contact a McKinney Bail Agent

Doc’s Bail Bonds can help you post bail, no matter the amount a judge has decided you should pay. We offer affordable options such as monthly payment plans or the acceptance of different forms of collateral, and we can also help you make sure you will be able to follow any requirements a judge puts in place. To learn how we can help you or your loved one get out of jail quickly, contact a Plano bail bondsman today by calling 214-747-4110. 

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/GetStatute.aspx?Code=CR&Value=17.15