Being arrested for domestic violence in Texas can be a frightening and stressful experience, and it can have a long-lasting impact on your personal and professional life. If you or a loved one find yourself in this situation, it is important to understand the bail process to make sure you can get released from jail quickly. In many cases, your best option for being released quickly is to secure a bail bond. With the help of a bail bondsman who has experience working with personnel in jails, detention facilities, and courts in the Dallas area, you can get out of jail as quickly as possible and move forward with your life.
Bail is a payment made to the court to ensure that a defendant appears for their scheduled court dates. The amount of bail that must be paid is set by the judge during an arraignment hearing, which is usually held within 48 hours of an arrest. However, in domestic violence cases, the judge may consider holding the defendant without bail until their trial. This decision will be based on the severity of the alleged domestic violence offense, prior domestic violence convictions, and other issues.
Factors that can influence bail amounts in domestic violence cases include the relationship between the alleged victim and the defendant, the seriousness of the alleged offense, and any previous criminal history. In addition to looking at whether a defendant could pose a risk to the alleged victim or others in the community, the judge will also consider whether the person is a flight risk who may not appear for future court proceedings when required. In some cases, bail may be denied altogether, resulting in the defendant being held in custody until their trial.
Once bail has been set, it can be paid directly to the court, or a defendant can use a bail bondsman. If bail is paid directly, the defendant will receive the money back once their case has been completed. However, bail in domestic violence cases can be high, and a defendant or their loved ones may be unable to come up with thousands of dollars on short notice. When using a bail bondsman, a defendant will be able to get released after paying a smaller amount -- usually 10 percent of the total amount of bail. The bail bondsman will pay the bail to the court on the defendant's behalf, and they will be released from jail and required to appear before a judge at future scheduled court dates.
One important thing to keep in mind is that in Texas, a protective order may be put in place after a domestic violence arrest. If a restraining order or protective order is issued, the defendant may be prohibited from contacting the alleged victim or coming within a certain distance of them. Violating a protective order can result in additional criminal charges. It may also be a violation of the conditions of bail put in place by a judge, and if a person is arrested for this type of violation, they may forfeit the bail that was paid to the court.
The bail process for domestic violence charges in Texas can be complicated and confusing. However, with the help of a reputable bail bond company, you can successfully navigate this process and get released quickly after being arrested. At Doc's Bail Bonds, we work to make the bail bond process as easy and affordable as possible. To learn more about how we can assist you, contact a Collin County bail bondsman at 214-747-4110.