Bail Bond Mandatory
A bail bond is a form of security that allows you, the accused, to get out of jail before your trial. The court sets a certain amount of money, usually in exchange for a promise that you will return to all scheduled court appearances. You can post this money directly or through a bail bond company. The latter option is typically a better choice as it places the burden of guaranteeing your appearance on someone else’s shoulders (i.e., the bail bonds). The bond agent will often require some type of collateral, such as cash or property that they can take over in case you fail to show up for your court dates.
There are several reasons why you should opt for a bail bond, but the main reason is that it saves taxpayer dollars. If you are kept in jail, it costs the state or county money for your food and housing. If you get out on a bail bond, the private company that provides the bond is responsible for your return. This is why most of them will do everything they can to ensure that you appear in court as required. They may call you before your court date, ask to check in with you periodically, and even visit your home or place of work if they think you might be hiding from them.
The monetary bail amount is set during your bail hearing at the first court appearance (your arraignment). Judges make this decision based on a combination of factors, including whether the crime was violent or nonviolent, the nature of the offense and its impact on the community, and the defendant’s character and history.
Is a Bail Bond Mandatory?
In addition to a monetary amount, the judge may also impose conditions of release. These could include limiting travel, enforcing a curfew, revoking the right to own a gun, and requiring drug, alcohol, or psychological testing or treatment. Some types of criminal charges are more serious than others, and the judge may decide that you should not be released on bail if they believe that you are a flight risk or that you pose a continued danger to the public.
Most people who are arrested for crimes don’t have enough money to pay the full bail amount. If they don’t secure a bail bond, they must stay in jail until their trial or the case is dismissed. This can be financially devastating to them and their families. A bail bond can help them get out of jail quickly and allow them to resume their lives until their case is resolved.
It is important to note that just because a bail bond is posted does not mean you will not miss your court dates. If you skip bail, the company that posts the bond for you will likely hire a bounty hunter to bring you back to court. This will cost you, the accused, more money in addition to any collateral that was signed over to the bail bond company.
