Getting arrested, being detained at the local jail, and having to post bail to get out is bad enough. Imagine that the magistrate raises your bail amount, seemingly for no reason at all. How is this even possible? Unfortunately, it is a possibility, and Affordable Bail Bonding is here for you if and when that day comes. We offer affordable bail bonds in South Boston 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we would love to help you in your time of need. Contact us to speak with the best bail bondsman in the area.
In the meantime, let’s take a look at how bail is set in the first place, reasons a magistrate might raise it, and how our team can help you.
How Bail Is Determined
There are many factors that a magistrate considers when setting your bail amount. First, the magistrate will consider whether the defendant is a threat to society and if they are likely to flee. If either of these is true, it is possible that bail could be denied altogether. Assuming that neither of these are true, several other factors are considered, including:
- The crime’s nature and severity
- The defendant’s criminal record
- The defendant’s standing in the community
- The defendant’s financial standing
- The defendant’s relationship with the court
These are just a few of the factors considered. Each case is different, so there may be many other factors that are considered, as well.
When a Magistrate Might Raise Bail
Now to the real question — why would a magistrate raise the bail amount? As you might suspect, they are unable to do so just on a whim. There must be a change in circumstances for the bail amount to be raised. Some of these include new or additional charges against the defendant, worsening conditions of any victim(s), and concerning behavior on behalf of the defendant.
New or Additional Charges
In most cases, an individual is arrested for a very clear-cut reason. They may have robbed a bank, stolen a car, or committed some other offense that is not very complex on the surface. The magistrate then sets bail based on the information they have at the time. However, as more details come to light, the case becomes more serious or more complex, prompting the magistrate to raise the bail amount.
Worsening Condition of Victim(s)
If the defendant commits a crime that results in injury or harm to others, the magistrate may raise the bail amount if the victim’s condition worsens as time goes on. For example, an individual is arrested for driving under the influence and causing a car accident. The other driver is injured in the accident and seems to be okay afterwards, but then passes away as a result of the accident. Once again, the magistrate sets bail based on the information they have at the time, but reserves the right to raise it if the crime committed turns out to have more serious consequences, such as vehicular manslaughter.
Concerning Defendant Behavior
The magistrate may also raise the bail amount if the defendant becomes a risk to themselves or society. Additionally, the bail can also be raised if the defendant misses court dates or behaves in other ways that violate the conditions of their release. The defendant is still responsible for their behavior after they get out of jail, which is why it is a good idea to stay on the straight and narrow while out on bail.
South Boston’s Source for Affordable Bail Bonds
Do you need help posting bail so that you can get out of jail fast? Have you just been informed that your bail amount went up to an amount that you can’t possibly afford? If so, then you want to have the best bail bondsman in South Boston in your corner. At Affordable Bail Bonding, you can rest assured that our experienced team of experts has your best interests in mind. We’ll gather the information we need to begin processing your bail application day or night and our easy payment plans make ours the most affordable bail bonds in the area.
Don’t wait a moment longer — contact Affordable Bail Bonding right away to request bail in South Boston.