DUIs, like many charges, have serious consequences. However, it is possible to post bail to help mitigate the stress associated with the arrest. Posting bail for a DUI can be complicated, especially if there are prior convictions, but knowing clear steps regarding bail bonds can ensure that you’re home during the trial and processing.

Overview of Bail Bonds for DUI

Bail is a set amount of money that acts as insurance between the court and the person in jail. Defendants have the option to pay in cash for a first-offense DUI, but if that isn’t possible, they can seek help from an agent that will post bail for them. People with prior DUI or criminal charges will have to pay thousands to exit prison, so an agent will pay the full bail amount in return for a nonrefundable fee, which includes 10% of the total bail amount. 

How the Amount is Determined

The bail amount depends on criminal history and the Minnesota bonding schedule, which is a list of set bail amounts that correspond to the severity of the DUI charge. The more convictions on your criminal record, the more expensive your bail amount will be. For example, a misdemeanor DUI (first criminal charge) can range from $500 to $10,000, while a felony (three criminal charges in ten years) can be as high as $50,000.

The Severity of Multiple DUI Convictions

As with most crimes, the more you commit them, the more serious the charge becomes. Also, a previous criminal history unrelated to a DUI can add to the amount of jail time, community service, and the amount of money needed for bail. In Minnesota, your license is always revoked, and a fine is always issued. However, there is a significant difference in penalty compared to a Fourth-Degree and a First-Degree DUI.

A driving offense in the Fourth-Degree is a misdemeanor, punishable up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. The maximum amount of bail issued is $4000, but it’s usually lower because no other charges are present for Forth-Degree offenses. First-Degree is the most serious and requires jail time of up to seven years, a $14,000 fine, and no maximum limit on the bail amount. You qualify for First-Degree after three prior convictions for DUIs or other criminal charges.

 

If you need help with bail bonds, contact AnyTime Bail Bonds in St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN. They have offered 24-hour service throughout the Twin Cities Greater Metro area for over a decade. Visit them online for more information, or call today at (612) 926-8688 to discuss your needs.

 

Disclaimer: Each agent is an independent contractor and has the right to refuse service. Each written bond or case varies, and information is subject to change at any time.