When you’re accused of a crime, there will be a period of time between your arrest and the trial. During that time, the judge may either give you a chance to post bail—a sum that insures you will show up in court, despite being allowed to go home in the meantime—or they will insist you stay in jail until the trial or hearing. But why are there two options? Here’s a look at a few reasons why they might decide on the latter.

3 Reasons Why a Court or Judge May Deny Bail

1. Failure to Show Up in the Past

When you are called to appear in court, your presence at the set time and date is mandatory. Failing to show up will make you seem like a less trustworthy individual. Therefore, if you are arrested, the judge will look over your past record. If you failed to show up to court in the past, they may not want to take the risk this time, denying you the opportunity to post bail.

2. The Crime Has a Heavy Penalty

If you were accused of a serious crime like manslaughter, you could face a harsh penalty, such as spending years in jail. In the court’s eyes, the possibility of this outcome makes the accused more likely to run away—either to hide from law enforcement, or to leave the country altogether. This is referred to as a “flight risk,” and if the judge thinks you might try to escape the trial and possible sentencing, they will deny bail and you will remain in jail.

3. You Act Aggressively in the Hearing

The decision to offer bail is up to the judge conducting your hearing, which means their first impression of you may affect their decision. If you speak disrespectfully or act aggressively during your hearing, the judge will be more likely to question your stability. Because of this, they might choose for you to remain in jail until the trial rather than allow you the privilege of returning home.

If your loved one has a chance to post bail but you are incapable of coming up with the sum, you don’t have to turn down the opportunity. Turn to Godfrey Bonding of Canton, GA, for a bail bond that will allow your friend or relative to return home. This 24-hour bonding company is the oldest of their kind in Cherokee County, so you can trust their team to provide trustworthy insight into the process. For more information on their offerings, visit their website. You can also call (770) 479-5230 to schedule a free consultation.