Bail - Bail Bonds
Bail and Bond Information
What is bail?
Bail is when money or property is pledged to a court in order to persuade the court to release an arrested suspect from jail. Bail is offered on the understanding that the suspect will return for the trial. It acts like an "insurance" to the court.
What happens to the bail after the court appearance?
If the arrested suspect makes all his court appearances the court will refund the bail money at the conclusion of the case.
What happens if a defendant does not appear in court?
If the arrested person does not return to court, they will forfeit the bail and the court will keep the money. Forfeiting bail - also called skipping bail - is illegal. If a defendant forfeits bail, the court will issue an arrest warrant.
How much is bail?
The amount of bail varies. The judge sets the bail amount. Most jurisdictions have standard bail schedules with recommended bail amounts for common crimes. However, certain factors are considered when determining the amount of bail:
- The seriousness of the crime
- Employment history
- Past record
- Whether or not you have lawyer representation
- Length of time the arrested has been in the community
How is bail posted?
Bail is posted in any one of the following ways. Bail can be posted by either the defendant or someone on his or her behalf.
- By paying the full amount in cash or check
- By using a bail bonding company
- For a set fee a bail bonding company will post your bail. The fee that is charged will not be returned to you upon your court appearance.
- By putting up your property in lieu of the cash
The judge may also grant an R.O.R. (A release on one's own recognizance)
What does it mean to be "released on one's own recognizance"?
The term "released on one's own recognizance" means that a waver of payment has been issued by the court with the condition that the arrested person return to court at required time.
Find out more about bail, bonds and your rights. Get a free consultation with an experienced criminal attorney. The knowledgeable criminal attorneys at Limmer & Associates thoroughly understand the bail and bond process. If you, or someone you know, has been arrested and needs exceptional representation for a crime, please contact us We'll answer all of your questions, give you personal attention and guide you in the right direction.
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