Bail & Bond Questions — Ask the Inmate
The period between arrest and trial is one of the most confusing and financially stressful moments a family can face. Bail and bond decisions happen quickly, the amounts can be overwhelming, and the consequences of getting it wrong are immediate. This section covers how bail is set and what factors judges consider, the difference between cash bail and a surety bond, how bail bondsmen work and what they charge, what happens when bail conditions are violated, and what families can do when bail is set too high to afford. Understanding the bail system is the first step toward getting a loved one home while their case proceeds. The answers here come from real experience navigating the system from both inside and outside the courtroom. Whether your loved one was just arrested or has been waiting weeks for a bail hearing the information in this section will help you understand your options and make informed decisions quickly. See also our sections on Pending Criminal Charges and Sentencing Questions.
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You might try calling the facility as ask to speak with the case manager, counselor or unit team secretary to get more information.
Read moreThat is a risk that will have to be determined by the person lending the money. There is no easy answer here. It is all going to be in the hands of the bail people in your area and if you are able to convince them that their risk is worth taking. Normally, the requirement is ten percent of the total bond amount
Read moreYes, an inmate does not have to wait for a scheduled court date to request a bail reduction. There are ways to pursue it proactively through the court system without sitting on the calendar and hoping the next appearance comes quickly. The most direct path is filing a motion for bail reduction or bond modification through the court. This is typically done through an attorney who drafts and submits the motion to the judge handling the case. The motion
Read moreWas he granted a bail hearing or is he held without a bond? Even with the "no prior history" on his record, the charges are very serious and the likelihood he receives straight probation is dubious. But, please understand that we are not lawyers and also do not have access to the complete record so we are giving a general response based on years of experience but in no way should you rely on our answer in making any decisions.
Read moreInmates being held on a bond too high for them to pay and get released are not afforded a reduction based upon time served. There is a reason the judge set the bond at a high level where they thought it would keep the public safe. Bond reduction comes in the form of a "motion to reduce the bond" with some reasonable basis for the judge to consider. If the information is compelling enough, they might reduce it, but in
Read moreNo, the violation disqualifies the offender for a bond. The drug class/probation was an opportunity the court gave your inmate. Your inmate violated the terms by testing dirty and will do the time imposed.
Read moreA violation makes bond highly unlikely. If he violated for not paying a fine, why didn't you use the potential bail money to pay the fine? Seems like a pretty simple solution to avoid going to jail for three months.
Read moreCall the judge's secretary. Usually they can guide you as to the best course of action, plus they have the judge's ear.
Read moreBond is an amount of money set by the magistrate to ensure the defendant will return to face the charges levied against them. If there is no bond, either the charge is not bond-worthy or the defendant poses a threat to the community and they deny release on any terms. Unless there is something else we are not aware of in this case, there will probably be no release until the case is heard.
Read moreNot sure. Maybe someone (his lawyer) should ask the judge if paying the fine would release him. Unless there is another charge to the violation, this might be a good solution.
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