When you are arrested, charged and arraigned for a crime, the court will set a bond for your release. In some instances, the court will set a bond higher for certain crimes and for individuals who pose a flight risk.
What factors does the court use to set bond? It is not uncommon for individuals who have been charged with a crime to feel frustrated or overwhelmed with an extremely high or unaffordable bond. Why is it hundreds or thousands for some and hundreds of thousands or even millions for some defendants?
Any defendant will have to face the challenges and complexities of the criminal justice system. This means dealing the practicalities of an arrest, getting released on bond, questioning, arraignment, trial and if convicted, penalties associated with your DUI. OurBirmingham DUI defense attorneys are experienced with all aspects of the criminal justice system and are committed to helping our clients minimize the consequences of a DUI arrest. Remember that the sooner you involve an experienced advocate in your case, the more likely you are to defeat the charges.
There are different kinds of bonds that can be paid for defendants who want to be released from jail. Cash bonds must be paid in full in order for the defendant to get released from jail. There are also property bonds allowing a monetary equivalent of property for the defendant to be released. Or the defendants can go to a bondsmen.
What is a bond? A bond is intended to guarantee that the defendant will actually show up for a court appearance. If there is a higher chance that the defendant will flee or if the defendant lives out of state or gives another indication that he or she may not show up for court, there may be a higher bond set. Bondsmen will typically charge a certain percentage of the bond for a fee, usually 10% of the total bond. The bondsmen will guarantee that defendants will show up for court. If the defendant does not show up for court then the bondsmen will pay the full amount of the bond.
Defendants who do not show up for court can face additional penalties. If the defendant was bailed out by a bondsman, the defendant can be rearrested and be forced to pay the full amount of the bond. In general, bondsmen are only likely to provide a bond where they trust the defendant will return for court. In some cases, a bondsman may use a co-signer or promissory note to ensure that the defendant will make court appearances and be responsible for bond.
In DUI cases, the bond may vary depending on the severity of the charges, whether there were aggravating circumstances, such as an accident or injury, and whether the defendant has prior charges. In the state of Alabama, felony bonds may range between $2,000 and $10,000 or higher. Misdemeanors may be set $300 to $6,000. In DUI cases, a bond is usually anywhere from $1,000 to $7,500. Whether you have been charged or you are looking to help bail a loved one out after DUI, it is important to know your rights and options involving bonds.
If you are facing criminal charges in Alabama, contact Alabama Criminal Lawyers at (205) 981-2450 or use our online contact form.