Bail allows people accused of a crime to await their court dates at home instead of being locked up for weeks or months at a time. But how do judges set the amount? Depending on the charges and other factors, you might only have to pay a few hundred dollars, or the judge may deny you bail entirely. Below is a quick guide to some of the factors that determine how much you need for different offenses.

How Bail Amounts Are Set

Pre-Established Bail Schedules

In most states, the legislature has established a uniform bail amount for various misdemeanor charges to ensure everyone gets the same treatment. One advantage of this system is that, in some cases, you might be able to get a bail bond immediately, so you may not even have to spend one night in jail. However, if you have previous charges or have previously failed to make required court appearances, the judge may order you back into custody without bail.

Other Factors Influencing Bail Amounts

If there is no pre-established bail amount for a particular charge, the judge has fairly broad discretion when setting conditions for your release. Generally, the more serious the offense, the higher the bail amount will be. Defendants with a criminal history will also typically have higher bail amounts than someone who’s never been arrested before.

Special Provisions of Georgia Law

If the accused is employed, has deep ties to the community, and no history of criminal activity, the court may decide to release them on their own recognizance, also known as a signature bond. However, in Georgia, certain serious offenses, such as homicide, treason, or rape, defendants must pay a bail amount, which has to be decided by a judge of the Superior Court. The law also assumes that a defendant charged with a violent felony who has already been convicted of similar crimes likely won’t appear in court and should not be eligible for bail at all.

As Cherokee County’s oldest and most respected bail bond agency, Godfrey Bonding in Canton, GA, has been reuniting arrested people and their families since 1981. Their friendly, knowledgeable agents understand how difficult this experience can be, and will dedicate themselves to securing the release of your loved one as quickly as possible. Visit their website to learn more about bail bonds, or call (770) 479-5230 for fast service any time, day or night.