Bail is meant to be a guarantee that a defendant in a criminal case will show up to court, allowing the accused to wait out their trial at home. In some cases, the bail money amount is pre-set by the jail according to the type of offense, but you might also have to wait for bail to be set by the court. Because judges have wide discretion when setting bail, the amount can vary widely, depending on the following factors.

How Judges Decide on Bail

1. The Charges You’re Facing

As a general rule, more serious crimes call for higher bail amounts. For instance, someone charged with marijuana distribution will likely be charged more than a defendant accused of simple possession.

2. Your Criminal History

While a defendant’s criminal record can’t be used against them at trial, it may impact the court’s decisions regarding bail. An individual facing charges for the first time will usually have a lower bail amount than another defendant with an extensive record, even if they’re accused of the same crime.

3. Your Ties to the Community

The purpose of bail is to ensure defendants appear in court, so anything that convinces the judge that the accused won’t flee may result in a lower bail money amount. Having close family members in the area, a job, and owning a house can all be considered signs of a lower flight risk.

4. The Risk of Additional Offenses

If the court decides that a defendant represents a danger to the community or is likely to commit another offense while out on bail, they may demand higher amounts of bail money or deny bail entirely. A defendant accused of a particularly violent crime that fits a pattern of behavior may be deemed a risk to the community.
 

If a friend or family member has been accused of a crime anywhere in Connecticut, trust the agents at 3-D Bail Bonds to get them out of jail as quickly as possible. Our agents serve towns and cities across the state and have experience working with a wide range of jails and law enforcement agencies. Visit us online to find your nearest bail agent, follow our Twitter for updates, or call (860) 247-2245 to reach our office in Hartford. For help in New Britain, call (860) 229-2525, or dial (203) 562-6666 to speak with a bail agent in New Haven.