What Will Be the True Cost of Bail?

 Posted on June 22, 2018 in Bail Bonds

The cost of bail can seem staggering if you don't know how the system works. And truthfully, it could be. Bail costs are set by the court, and they're contingent on the nature of the crime as well as the suspect's probability as a flight risk.

If you have exhibited a history of criminal activity, that could give judges pause to grant any bail whatsoever. A best-case scenario would mean bail that's higher than normal.

On the flip side, if you're accused of an isolated offense and your record is otherwise spotless with a stable work history, bail is more likely to be granted. However, the nature of the crime (murder, for instance) could result in a rather large sum.

Texas Felony Bond Schedule

The cost of bail generally is administered through a felony bond schedule, and this can be different by county. It's generally updated each year, and it can be used (or not) at the discretion of the court. But just to give you an idea, a state jail felony with a below average risk is around $1,000; for average risks, $1,500; and for above-average risks, $15,000.

Higher-level crimes like second-degree murder could run $50,000 or more. But what does that actually mean in terms of money out-of-pocket?

The Answer: It Depends

A bail bond service like Doc's Bail Bonds will typically charge 10% of the overall amount with the stipulation that you appear at any future mandated court hearing. Once you live up to your end, the 10% is where it ends. Failure to make a hearing date means the full amount of the bond is activated. Since whoever posts the bond is on the hook for the full amount, they have the ability to recover the costs from you for failing to show.

The lesson: it pays to keep your obligations. Failure to do so can make the bond amount much more costly than it has to be, and that can impact you financially and professionally for years to come.

Your Solution to the High Cost of Bail

Avoiding the high cost of bail leans on finding the right bail bond service for your needs. At Doc's Bail Bonds, we work with you on the ability to pay, and we have a strong understanding of how the justice system works. That allows you to maintain the one thing that's tough to maintain when dealing with being arrested and booked: peace of mind. Contact us today to help reclaim yours throughout this process.

[Featured Image by Flickr Creative Commons]