Regardless if you’ve gone to jail, we all are somewhat familiar with bail. Whether we’ve heard about it on the news or social media, we know that bail is usually an expensive way for inmates to get out of jail before their trial. Depending on the crime, bail can range from a hundred dollars to millions of dollars.
What Determines Bail?
For the most part, judges set bail based on a structure. Small or petty crimes may result in a low bail amount, typically between $50 to $2,000. However, judges are able to act on their own discretion. For instance, if a defendant has an extended criminal history, the judge may set a high bond. Going even further, if a defendant is considered a risk to the general public, a judge may purposely set an impossibly high bail amount (where the million-dollar bonds come in). Other times, judges may refuse to post bail altogether.
Generally, judges weigh in the following factors when determining an inmate’s bail:
- The defendant’s “risk” level. If they’re considered a risk to the community, the judge may set an impossibly high bail amount or not allow it at all.
- The severity of the crime. The more serious the crime, the more expensive the bail.
- The criminal history. If the defendant is a repeat offender or has an extensive criminal history, their bail will be much higher than a first-time offense.
- The bail schedule. Generally, judges adhere to a bail schedule, a document that outlines general bail amounts for each crime.
Why Is Bail Expensive?
After covering some bail outlines, we understand that judges post bail depending on the factors of the case. First, judges examine the defendant’s criminal history. Second, they analyze the defendant’s risk level to the community and their flight risk. However, these aren’t the only reasons why bail is often so expensive. When inmates pay a large amount of money to get out of jail, they’re motivated to meet their court requirements if the money can be returned.
Bail Acts as Incentive
One reason why bail is often so high and expensive is because it motivates the defendant to go to court. A high bail amount acts as an incentive for defendants to meet their court requirements and not flee. While the bail money may be refunded, it’s only possible if they first meet all their conditions. This means that defendants will get their bail money back only after they complete their trial, conditions, and requisites.
Because money acts as a big incentive, judges follow a high bail schedule to make sure the defendants follow and complete their legal obligations.
In addition to this process being a motivating factor for defendants, it also benefits the state. In this case, it’s the state of Texas. Every time a defendant forfeits bail by violating their terms, the state of Texas pockets the money. This money is then used to fund various projects within Texas borders. So in addition to making sure the defendant doesn’t flee, a high bail is a good opportunity for Texas to make money.
Bail vs. Bail Bonds
While bail is often very expensive, a bail bond is an affordable option to get out of jail. A bail bond is only 10% of the total bail amount, meaning a defendant with a $1,000 bail can be released for only $100. In addition to a bail bond being 90% cheaper than bail, bail bond companies are experienced in releasing inmates very fast.
When you post the full bail amount, it may take some time before release. This can be due to a number of factors. However, bail bonds companies release inmates very fast due to their experience working with jails and courts.
Understandably, many inmates can’t afford bail. However, that doesn’t mean they should sit in jail longer than they need to. Using a bail bond company is a fast, affordable way to get out of jail as soon as possible.
DDD Bail Bonds
While some people can afford bail, it’s much easier to go the affordable route. Using a bail bond instead of paying the full bail amount saves time, money, and energy. When a person can go home and prepare for their case with a lawyer, they’re much better equipped for court.
DDD Bail Bonds of Dallas is a fast, reliable bail bonds company with years of experience working with Dallas courts and jails. We can secure any inmate’s release in the shortest time possible, regardless of how high bail is. Contact us to release an inmate from jail today.