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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Subject: Bail & bond questions
A no-bond designation means the system has flagged her as someone who should not be released before a judge reviews the case in person. It is not necessarily permanent, but it does mean she is going to stay in custody until at least the arraignment or first appearance hearing.
At that hearing, a judge will review the circumstances and decide. Depending on the charge, her criminal history, and the arguments made by her attorney, the judge can do one of three...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
Once someone has been sentenced, they generally do not go back to court to find out when they will be released. The release date is calculated from the sentence itself, minus applicable good time credits, and is determined administratively by the facility, not by a future court appearance.
Court appearances after sentencing are reserved for specific legal proceedings such as appeals, resentencing hearings, probation or parole violation hearings, or new charges. Routine release processing happens entirely within the correctional system without...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
Almost certainly neither quickly nor easily. When a judge issues a failure to appear warrant, it is because the person has already demonstrated they would not show up when required. That history makes the judge very unlikely to offer bail again or release someone on their own recognizance, because the entire purpose of bail is to secure future appearances, and that trust has already been broken.
In most failure-to-appear situations, the judge remands the person to custody without bail. That means...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
A $90,000 bond is substantial. If it was reduced, that is a sign that the charges are not deemed as serious or maybe the role in this conspiracy is minor. We'd need more information to be more helpful.
Subject: Bail & bond questions
Using only the information you've given us, our opinion (and we are NOT lawyers) is that the bond is set at arraignment not during the warrant phase. Our instincts tell us that they owe money to the courts for child support or some fine that has triggered the warrant. You can call the Clerk of the Court and find out how the warrant was written. Your answers are in that document.
Subject: Bail & bond questions
If the amount is "0" and he is still there, there is no bond.
Subject: Bail & bond questions
Once your accused has gone before the magistrate, a bail amount is set. This bail amount becomes part of the record and usually you will have bail bondsmen contact the closest of kin to try and make a deal to bond your inmate out. Depending upon the amount, it is customary for the bail bondsman get a 10% non-refundable fee (of the total amount of the bond). Once you agree on the terms, the bondsman will go to the jail...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
It depends on the total bail set at the hearing
Subject: Bail & bond questions
Getting released on a $50,000 bond without any payment is not realistic. The bond system exists to ensure he appears at all court dates, and the court will not simply waive it. A bail bondsman can secure his release for approximately 10 percent of the total bond amount, which in this case would be around $5,000, and may also require collateral such as a car or real property. That 10 percent fee is not returned once the case resolves. If...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
No. Prison is where offenders go to complete their sentence.
Subject: Bail & bond questions
It might mean that he got some of the charges reduced. He will have to come up with at least 10% of the amount, so if he can - he will be able to get out.
Subject: Bail & bond questions
No, the magistrate that sets the bond knows there is a deportation. They will not risk offender flight pending a hearing with that order in place.
Subject: Bail & bond questions
You will have to research your options. Most bailbondsmen are local. You should talk to 2-3 to make sure you are comfortable with the arrangement. Most of them charge a non-refundable 10% of the set amount of the bail. The bonding company then submits the paperwork to the court who will release the offender from custody. The bond is in place to ensure that the offender appears at all scheduled hearings. If they miss a court date, the bond is...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
It depends on how you posted the $1,300.
If you paid a bail bondsman:
That money is a fee, not a deposit
It is non-refundable, even if you go to court and the case is dismissed
The bondsman keeps it for taking on the risk of your release
If you paid cash bail directly to the jail or court:
The money is a deposit
You will usually get it back after the case is finished, as long as you:
Show up to all court dates
Follow all court conditions
The court may deduct fees, fines, or...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
We do not have a list of bailbondsmen to refer. But, when you do select one, it will be them that will determine the method of payment - this too will depend on the charge and the amount of the bail bond - and the percentage they'll require you to put down (non-refundable) to post it on behalf of your defendant. It's all about the bond company's comfort that the person they are guaranteeing will show up for all court...
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