Posting bail can be a complex activity to do for the average person, especially the first time that they do it. Some of the considerations that may have to be made include things like the court conditions. To get a good understanding of the process and know just how you can go about it in the best possible way, you need to begin by doing ample research. This will help you learn about what happens after a detention hearing and a lot more. To find this information, you can search online for things like “What’s a detention hearing?” and “Do you have to use a bail bondsman?”
You can also search for additional information such as “What happens at a detention hearing?” This should make it easier for you to get informed on the details of what to expect. As a result, you can prepare yourself for the situation mentally so that it’s easier for you to get through it. If you’re doing the research for someone else, you can help them make the right call because their decisions will be informed. In the end, you may get a fair outcome that’s sure to prove worth the effort put into doing research.
On the unfortunate event that you get arrested, the plaintiff will have to prove the offense in court beyond a reasonable doubt. But because the criminal justice system moves slowly, it may take a while to resolve the case, much less set a court date. So while you’re waiting for your trial, your priority would be to get out of jail in the meantime. There are two options for pretrial release: release on own recognizance and getting out on bail.
Release on Own Recognizance
To get a release on own recognizance (ROR), you need to sign a written promise saying that you will be present in future court appearances and will not participate in any illegal activity while you’re out on ROR. The advantage of an ROR is that it doesn’t involve money, which is beneficial for those who have financial constraints.
All defendants should be entitled to ROR because they are presumed to be innocent until proven otherwise. Your right to ROR is forfeited if there is evidence to support that you’re a flight risk or that you need to remain in pretrial detention.
The judge has nearly absolute discretion whether you’ll be allowed ROR. He or she will decide whether you’re qualified depending on the gravity of the crime, past criminal records, community participation, employment, and support from family. The bottom line is the judge needs to determine whether you’re a flight risk or a potential threat to the community.
You’re temporarily free on certain conditions if the judge decides on an ROR. The most common conditions are required meetings with a supervising officer to ensure that you haven’t left town or engaged in any illegal acts. Others are curfews, restricted travel privileges, and orders to stay away from the plaintiff.
Release on Financial Conditions or Bail
If you didn’t qualify for ROR, the judge may impose financial conditions or bail to ensure your appearance in court hearings. But this still depends on the severity of the crime. Misdemeanor charges have standard bail amounts, which are posted on most jailhouses so defendants can quickly pay the fine and not have to spend time in pretrial detention. In most cases, you can post bail right after your booking.
But for more severe crimes, you will have to attend a court hearing so the judge can decide whether you’re qualified for bail or not. The amount is typically up to the discretion of the presiding judge, but the law prescribes the minimum and maximum. Those who have some degree of financial freedom may find it easy to pay the fine. But even if you don’t have the means, you can get out on bail with the help of reliable bail bond agents.
Similar to ROR, you’ll have to follow conditions if you’re out on bail. Bail conditions are also generally the same as those of OR release. This includes refraining from illegal activities, abstaining from drug and alcohol consumption, not possessing and carrying any weapon, observing a curfew, and complying with travel restrictions.
Whether you’re qualified for ROR or will have to pay bail, the crucial part is that you observe the conditions the judge set so you won’t face graver charges. Be sure that all your actions will improve your chances of winning your case.
