Most people have the chance to post bail after an arrest, allowing them to wait for their court date at home instead of jail. Defendants may only have to post a few hundred dollars, while others might need to post several thousand or be released on their recognizance. Below is an overview of how bail is determined and how a bail bond agent can help.

How Is Bail Determined?

Pre-Set Bail Schedules

Some jurisdictions have pre-established bail amounts for charges so that you may post a bond as soon as the police book you. These bail schedules usually focus on misdemeanors, such as driving under the influence or possession of illicit items. If you’ve been accused of a more severe offense or have a criminal record, you might have to wait until your first hearing to post bail.

How Judges Set Bail

At your first court hearing, the judge will usually set a bail amount, based partially on a schedule that organizes offenses by severity. For instance, if you get a Class C felony charge, the standard bail amount might be $10,000. However, judges have the discretion to set bail higher or lower, depending on your ability to flee the state, ties to the local community, or the circumstances of your arrest. On the other hand, they might choose to deny bail entirely.

How a Bail Bond Agent Can Help

Most families don’t have the cash on hand to post bail, which is where a bondsman comes in. A bail bond agent advocates for the defendant, guaranteeing that they will make all of their court appearances if released. In exchange, they’ll usually charge a small nonrefundable fee based on a percentage of the bail amount.

If you or a loved one has been arrested in West Plains, MO, the bail bond agents at Nicholas Bail Bonds will secure their release as quickly as possible. For nearly 20 years, they’ve helped defendants in the Southern Missouri area facing a variety of criminal charges, earning a reputation for treating every client respectfully. Visit their website for more on how they can help, follow their Twitter for updates and news, or call (417) 255-1109 for fast, 24/7 service.