If you’ve been arrested, figuring out how to post bail is one of the first aspects you should consider. Bail is a set amount of money that you can pay to receive a temporary release from jail, allowing you to go home and begin building your defense with a criminal lawyer. These funds are refundable after appearing for court; however, if you don’t show up, you forfeit the money. To better illustrate how a judge determines this amount, here are several factors that can influence how much bail a person must pay.

5 Aspects That Can Affect Bail Amount

1. Severity of Charge

Judges refer to a bail schedule to match the amount with the severity of the charge. The more severe a criminal charge is, the higher the perceived flight risk of the defendant. As a result, minor, nonviolent crimes may require bail payments as low as several hundred dollars, whereas felony charges that stem from a death or injury will require a much higher amount.

2. Previous Criminal Activity

The court system considers defendants who have a criminal history as more likely to skip their court hearing after their jail release than those who have no record. If you have any previous arrests, you can expect your bail amount to increase. If you have outstanding warrants, the judge may deny bail entirely so that you remain in custody.

3. Perceived Danger

Sometimes, a judge will increase or deny bail if the defendant presents a possible danger to others. For example, those who have a history of violence or make threats toward another person are likely to have a much higher bail requirement than someone who does not.

4. Community Standing

With help from a criminal lawyer, there are also some factors that can help lower your bail amount—such as whether you have a reputable standing in the community. Individuals who are gainfully employed, have families, or do charity work in their neighborhood will typically receive a decrease. This is because their ties to the community make them less likely to flee.

5. Passport Forfeiture

Another possible options for lowering your bail amount is to temporarily forfeit your passport or visa. Giving up this documentation helps ensure that you won’t leave the country before your scheduled court date, showing the judge that you intent to cooperate.

If you’ve been arrested in the Cincinnati, OH area, turn to James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law for comprehensive legal support. In practice since 2002, this criminal lawyer provides dedicated attention to each client to protect their rights at every stage of the legal process—including bail hearings. To learn more about how this attorney can help you defend against misdemeanor or felony charges, visit his website. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, call (513) 503-7251.