There were an estimated 10.1 million arrests made in the United States in 2019. Many of those who were arrested had a bail amount set.

Different factors are taken into account when a bail amount is set. Below, we take a look at a few of these factors and discuss how they can each impact bail amount.

Who Decides the Bail Amount?

Bail amounts are set by the judge. Judges normally have a lot of freedom to decide how much a bail amount will be and, in some instances, a judge can deny bail completely.

When determining a bail amount, a judge will usually consider factors such as:

– The nature of the crime that has been committed.

A person charged with a felony can usually expect to receive a higher bail amount than someone who has been charged with a misdemeanor. Additionally, someone charged with a violent crime will likely have a higher bail amount than someone charged with a non-violent crime. 

– The criminal history of the person charged with the crime.

The longer a criminal record, the higher a bail amount is likely to be. If a defendant has an extensive criminal background a judge may decide that it’s a sign the defendant will commit more crimes if they are able to easily bail out.

– How strong is the case against the accused?

If there is little reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the accused in the case of a felony, it could lead to a higher bail amount being set. If the investigating law enforcement agency is able to convince a judge that the case against the accused is airtight, the judge may issue a higher bail amount (or deny bail) for the person charged with the crime. If a defendant is facing a “slam dunk” case against them, then they may represent the same flight risk as a migrating goose.

Conclusion:

Judges consider a number of factors when setting bail amounts. Arrest history, nature of the crime and the strength of the evidence all determine the bail amount. If you find yourself charged with a crime, remember that you are innocent until proven guilty no matter the bail amount.

Bail can be complicated, but bail bonds don’t have to be. Thad Moody Bail Bonds in Sallisaw has been the bail bondsman of choice for Sequoyah County for 20 years.

We are ready to serve you 24 hours a day.  

Call us at 918-775-5583

Written By Lance Montgomery

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