Most people who are arrested and booked must post bail to get released. Bail is essentially a financial guarantee that you will return on the scheduled court date. Those who attend all of their criminal proceedings will get the bail money back, whereas those who fail to show up forfeit the funds and are subject to another arrest. Since most people do not have enough liquid cash to cover the bail themselves, they typically turn to bondsmen who charge a fee for providing the funds. Here, the criminal lawyer at The Law Offices of Charley Johnson in Centerville, TX, explains the bail bond process.

Various Factors Will Affect the Total Amount

The precise proceedings vary from county to county, but typically, a judge will set the bail amount during a hearing. The bail must be high enough that the suspect will feel obligated to show up in court but not so high that it is unreasonable.

A judge will consider multiple factors when setting the amount, including the severity of the offense, the suspect’s criminal record, and the family’s financial resources. Depending on the circumstances, the judge might also impose conditions for the offender’s release, like a curfew, travel restrictions, or addiction treatment.  

Not All Bond Agents Are the Same 

Because people can get arrested at any time of the day or night, many bond agents are available 24/7; however, that does not mean you should turn to the first bondsman who picks up the phone. If your relative has been arrested, your only priority should be getting them released, but it’s critical to find a reputable bond agent who will not take advantage of the situation.

Fortunately, a local criminal lawyer can help. It’s wise to call an attorney as soon as possible after the arrest and ask for a referral to a reputable bondsman who charges reasonable rates. If you can provide the agent with essential information, like the name and location of the jail, the offender’s full name, the booking number, and the total bail amount, the entire proceeding should take no more than a few hours. 

If you are facing criminal charges or need help navigating the bail bond process for a loved one who has been arrested, turn to a criminal lawyer at The Law Offices of Charley Johnson. Based in Centerville, this firm has been helping clients throughout Leon County fight misdemeanor and felony charges for more than three decades. Visit their website or call (903) 536-2185 to schedule an initial consultation with a criminal lawyer today.