When you are arrested, the last thing on your mind is probably the details of how the justice system works. However, when you stand before a judge and find out the amount of bail it will cost to get out of jail, you might be left wondering how that number was chosen.
For most, how bail works is not something they think about until the time comes that they are behind bars or someone they love needs help posting bail. Here at Affordable Bail Bonding, we are ready to assist you if you need access to affordable bail bonds in Halifax. We will work around the clock to secure you or your loved one’s freedom.
If you are wondering how the amount was chosen for your bail or for someone you love, learn more about the process below.
The Basics Of Bail
First, to understand how a judge determines the amount to set bail, it is important to understand the basics of what bail is.
Simply put, bail is the amount of money that needs to be paid in order for someone to be released from jail prior to their court date. The idea is that you are innocent until proven guilty, which means you should be allowed to return home while you wait for your trial.
Paying bail acts as a sort of guarantee for your return. The idea is that if you were allowed to simply leave jail, you might not return for your court date and you might try to flee the area to avoid your final arrest. However, by paying bail, you are more likely to return to get that money back.
Because bail is supposed to act as a way of guaranteeing your return for your court date, the amount it is set at will vary greatly based on the crime you committed and other factors discussed below.
The Utilization Of A Bail Schedule
When a judge goes about setting bail, they will begin the process with a bail schedule. A bail schedule provides a basic outline of the amount bail should be set at based upon the charges the defendant is facing.
Keep in mind that the bail schedule is a loose guideline. The judge can still set the amount higher or lower based on other factors. It simply acts as a recommendation of where a judge should begin.
Other Factors That Play Into Bail
After consulting the bail schedule, a judge will consider a few other factors before setting the final bail amount. The following will be taken into consideration when setting bail:
- The severity of the crime
- The previous criminal history of the defendant
- Whether or not the defendant has ever fled on bail prior
- The defendant’s standing in the community
These factors will help determine how high or low the bail amount is set at. For example, if the defendant has no criminal record, has never fled on bail prior, and has good standing in the community, the bail amount might be set on the lower end of the scale. Conversely, if the crime committed was severe, the defendant has a criminal record, and they have fled on bail before, the amount might be extremely high.
How Bail Bonds Make Bail Affordable
Because the cost of bail can vary so greatly, it is not always feasible for the person who was arrested to pay the total amount. The good news is that there are other options available for posting bail.
If your bail amount was set too high or someone you love is behind bars, incapable of affording bail, we can help. Bail bonds allow you to pay only a percentage of the total amount owed. After you pay the bail bondsman, they will post the rest of the bail on your behalf. This makes it possible to afford freedom, even when the bail amount feels out of reach.
Contact Our Team 24/7
If you are looking for an affordable way to post bail, we are here to help. Contact our team at Affordable Bail Bonding for fast bail. We provide affordable bail bonds in Halifax and the surrounding communities. Whether you have a few more questions about the bail process itself or you are ready to make a payment and get your loved one out of jail, we can help. Contact us right away.