People have a whole lot of questions about bail. This is normal, of course, because the average person doesn’t really need to know very much about the process — until they do. It’s similar to how you don’t really think about how the plumbing in your home works until one day you’re running the sink and the water in the toilet bowl starts bubbling. You see, it didn’t really make much of a difference until it did.
Not to worry though, because the team at Wanna Get Out Bail Bonds is here to help! We know that bail is a confusing topic for a lot of people because the only experience they’ve had with how it works is what they’ve seen on television. Is that portrayal accurate? Or is it a more nuanced thing?
In today’s post, we’ll be taking a look at one of the things we get asked about the most: how a judge decides on what to set the bail amount at. If this is ever something you’ve wondered about, we’ll do our best to shed a little light on the subject below. Keep reading to learn more!
How Does a Judge Set a Bail Amount?
One thing we should mention before we get started is that we do have a bail bond FAQ page to help answer some of the more common questions that we get asked on a regular basis. Keep in mind that if there’s anything you need clarification on when you’re in need of bail bonds, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer free bond advice and we’d be glad to make sure you have all of the information you need.
That brings us back to the topic at hand — looking at important criteria for a bail amount.
So what exactly will the judge be considering? For one, he or she will be looking at the nature of the crime that was allegedly committed. If it is something out of the ordinary, there’s a good chance you will be denied bail.
The judge will also consider whether or not you are a flight risk. For example, if you have skipped bail in the past, the odds that you’ll be granted bail go down fairly significantly. You may also be considered a danger to yourself or to others, and if that’s the case, you’ll also likely be denied bail.
What Else Will the Judge Consider?
Other common factors for a judge to look at include the type of work you do or your reputation within the community.
In other words, when it comes right down to it, a judge will be taking a careful look at all of the facts (as well as the evidence) to determine whether or not it is wise to grant you bail. If bail is granted, he or she will look at the facts to make a decision on what the amount is set at.
It’s also often the case that there are general amounts for specific crimes. The judge will know this, and if there’s nothing particularly out of the ordinary about your arrest, you can often expect the price for, let’s say a DUI, to be about the same amount as is common for DUIs in your neck of the woods.
Have a Question? Let Our Team Help.
As we mentioned above, the reality is that bail bonds are a confusing thing for many people. Film and television often portray the event as follows: a main character gets arrested and jailed, and their friend (who is often wearing a scarf and an overcoat) shows up to bail them out of jail. In reality, few (if any) people who are bailing their loved ones out of jail are wearing overcoats — especially here in Honolulu.
When it comes right down to it, the thing you need to know is that no matter the situation, no matter the time of day or night, our team will be there. We know that what you’re going through is difficult, and we respond accordingly. We offer free bond advice as well as flexible payment plans to ensure that you get exactly the help you need during a stressful time.
Contact us today to get the expert assistance you deserve.
