Why Bail Is Sometimes Set So High
When a family member has been arrested for a crime, you likely can't wait for them to be released and are eager to pay the money to do so. However, if you have never bailed someone out of jail before, you might be surprised at how expensive it can be. You might wonder what factors determine how much bail is set for.
The Severity of the Crime
The seriousness of the crime is one of the factors that determines how much the bail will be. For example, violent crimes are considered more serious than non-violent crimes. Grand larceny is more serious than shoplifting.
The Defendant's Criminal History
If the defendant has a history of crime, their bail is also likely to be set higher. This is because there is a concern that they might continue to commit crimes after they have been bailed out. However, if the prosecutor does not have a strong case, it's more likely that the judge will allow the defendant to post bail.
Other Factors
The judge will be concerned about whether your loved one is a flight risk. They will take into consideration factors such as:
- The defendant's age
- The relationship of the defendant to the community
- Whether the defendant is employed
- The mental health of the defendant
- Whether the defendant is a danger to the community
With all of these factors taken into consideration, the judge will decide whether to grant bail and the bail amount.
How to Afford Such a High Bail
When you feel like you cannot afford bail, the best option is to turn to a 24 bail bond service. They will be able to post bail and you will only have to pay a small fraction of the bail.
Paperwork Required
When you are filling out the paperwork for the bail bond service, you will need to provide your name, phone number, the name of the defendant and the jail they are staying at, the booking number, and a description of the charges involved.
The bail bondsman will likely want to know more about you such as your credit history. They will ask you for a list of references. They will also ask for your social security number so they can run a credit check and ask for your banking information. This process can be a hassle, but it is the best option when you cannot otherwise afford to post bail.
Speak to a bail bondsman to find out more.