How Bail is Determined

Los Angeles Bail Bond Agent

When a person is taken into police custody in Los Angeles and charged with a crime, the court will set either set a bail amount or will release the defendant on his or her own recognizance. Bail is an amount of money that must be paid to the court to be released from custody, as a guarantee that the defendant will return for all court appearances. Upon the completion of the case, the money will be returned to the defendant (except in some specific cases).

Factors Considered in Determining Bail

How does the court determine what your bail will be? For some offenses, there is a standard set of bail amounts that may be applied. In other cases, specific factors will be taken into account to determine what amount of bail will be required for a defendant’s release. These factors may include:

  • What crime was committed;
  • The severity of the offense;
  • Whether the defendant has a criminal record;
  • The defendant’s perceived “flight risk”;
  • Whether the defendant has significant ties to the community that would discourage or prevent flight; and
  • The defendant’s behavior.

At the arraignment, which is a Los Angeles defendant’s first court appearance, he or she will be informed of the charges, his or her legal rights and what bail will be set at. Depending on how high bail is, the defendant may need to seek a bail bond. This can be purchased for 10% of the entire bail amount in California and will enable the defendant to be released on the legally binding agreement that he or she will return when needed or be held liable for the full bail amount. A friend or family member of the defendant can also secure a bail bond on his or her behalf.

Get the help you need in making bail in Los Angeles. Contact a Bail Bondsman at Dan’s Bail Bonds today! We’re available 24/7 to assist you.

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