After being arrested, most individuals are given the opportunity to post bail. This allows you to work with a bail bondsman so you can return to your home and job while waiting for your court date. However, it’s up to a court to grant bail, and there are some instances in which a judge may deny this option. Here are the most common reasons this happens.

5 Reasons You May Not Be Allowed to Post Bail

1. Missed Court Dates

When you post bail, the court system lets you return home in good faith that you’ll appear in court at a designated time to face your charges. Unfortunately, your past behavior may influence this allowance. If you’ve missed a court date in the past, you may not be considered reliable for showing up to your trial in the future. 

2. Aggressive Behavior During a Hearing

After you’re arrested, you’ll appear at an arraignment, during which you’ll be advised of your rights as well as your charges. This is also typically when a plea is given and the determination of whether to set bail is made. This is a time to remain calm. As punishment for poor behavior during the court proceeding, a judge may table the option of bail entirely.

3. Crime Severity

Individuals who have been accused of especially violent crimes may not be allowed to post bail. For instance, crimes such as murder, rape, and armed robbery are often denied this option. In these cases, the individual may be considered a flight risk, which means they may choose to flee to avoid a serious sentence.

4. Repeat Offense

Judges may be more lenient with first-time offenders. For those who have already committed crimes of a similar nature in the past, though, the option of bail may be taken away. In this case, the judge may feel that the perpetrator hasn’t used their freedom wisely.

5. Threat to the Public

An individual who has been accused of a violent crime, has shown concerning behaviors, or is otherwise believed to be a threat to the public likely won’t be eligible for bail. Judges must take into consideration the safety of society, so keeping the individual incarcerated until their court date may seem like the safest option.

While being denied bail is a possibility in some cases, most individuals are given the opportunity to post bail. If you’ve been arrested in Chattanooga, TN, and need assistance getting out of jail, turn to Cumberland Bail Bonds Co. Their agency works with 29 county jails in the eastern Tennessee area and will help process your bail swiftly and smoothly. View their full list of locations online or call (423) 622-3733 to speak with a team member.