Seven Factors Judges Consider When Determining Bail Amount

If you or your loved one gets arrested, one sure way of securing release is by posting bail. The bail acts as a surety that you will appear at the court hearings whenever required. Judges consider various factors when determining the bail amount, whether you are posting cash bail, property bail, or using a bail bonds service.

1. Nature and Circumstances of The Offense

Different crimes attract different bail amounts as stipulated by State and Federal laws and specific jail regulations. Minor crimes have lower bail amounts when compared to other severe offenses. One can expect to pay a higher bail if arrested for a felony like murder than when accused of a misdemeanor like DUI. However, bail may be denied in cases of serious crimes.

2. Past Criminal History

If you have no criminal record, the bail amount might be lower than the person with an active criminal record. Having a criminal record can work against you in most instances. However, a past criminal history does not mean you get an exorbitant bail. Judges consider the severity of the offense. Although the bail may be denied if the person has an outstanding warrant in other jurisdictions

3. Finances and Employment 

The judge may set your bail amount according to your ability to pay. Finances and employment history may also be considerable factors in determining the bail amount. Your chances for freedom may improve if you have a solid and steady work history. Your income levels and other financial factors also matter. However, your bail amount may increase significantly if you have wealthy friends or relatives and a sizable income.

4. Past Court Appearances

One main reason for bail is to guarantee that you appear for court hearings. Someone with a history of not appearing on court dates may end up with high bail amount, or the bail may be denied. Granting bail to someone who does not attend court hearings is less likely. 

Not appearing for the court dates may affect not only the bail amount but has other severe repercussions too. Your bail bond may be canceled, or you may not get a cash bond refund, and your property bond gets forfeited. Your bail company may also hire bail enforcement agents, better known as bounty hunters, to track down your whereabouts and return you to the court’s custody.

5. Community Ties and Reputation

Community ties also play a considerable role in the bail process. A person with strong community ties or involved in community organizations has a low bail skip risk. In such cases, the judge may give you a lower bail amount because of the ties in the community. 

6. Current Probation Status

Being arrested while you’re on probation or parole could also constitute a violation of your release conditions. If you are already on probation at the time of your arrest, you may have more to worry about than just your bail amount. In most cases, the bail gets denied if the judge becomes aware of the defendant’s probationary status.

7. Danger to the public

One of the most vital factors influencing bail amount is the defendant’s threat to the public, victims, and witnesses. Individuals accused of serious felonies like sexual assault or violence are more likely to be considered dangerous to the public. If the judge feels a person will compromise the public’s safety, they may get a high bail amount or be held without bail.

Conclusion

Once your bail decides, contact Acts Now Bail Bonds to post bail for you in Colorado. We do everything to make your bail experience as hassle-free as possible. We serve all counties in Colorado 24/7. Call or visit us today if you need bail bond services in Colorado.