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 can pay someone's bond in most circumstances but when a protection order is involved, the situation requires careful attention to the specific language of that order before you do anything. Protection orders vary in what they prohibit. Some orders restrict the protected person from having any contact with the defendant including indirect contact through third parties. Others are more limited in scope. If your order specifically prohibits you from having any contact with him or from taking actions
Read moreReleased without a cash bond... "on your recognizance"
Read moreThe bond for your inmate is probably going to remain at that amount because of the "failure to appear". The bond assures the Court that he will appear going forward. If he paid the bond as was released AND then failed to appear, he would lose the money and his freedom.
Read moreUsually not. it would have to be a very slight violation. Magistrates HATE seeing an offender violate in any way... makes them think the person that got an early release really didn't deserve it.
Read moreNon-violent offenders are treated for bail similarly to all defendants. The magistrate assesses the crime, the criminal history, the size of the loss, and potential harm to the public if released. If it is determined that all of the criteria is benign and there is no risk that the offender will appear for their court appointment, then there is a chance that they will be ROR's (released on their own recognizance)
Read moreNo, the bail bondsman has nothing to do with anything except "guaranteeing your court appearances". The old warrant will be served by the jurisdiction that ordered it. You might have to get a second bond.
Read moreBond and home detention are two distinct mechanisms that both allow someone to avoid or leave jail, but they work differently and are granted under different circumstances. Bond is determined at the initial appearance before a judge or magistrate, typically within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. The judge weighs factors including the severity of the charge, criminal history, ties to the community, flight risk, and public safety before setting an amount. Once set, the full amount can be
Read moreThat revocation will cause the judge to take their time to see him. With his bail revoked, he will be in until they are ready to hear all of the pending charges.
Read moreThey can hold you on a "federal material witness warrant" pretty much for as long as they want. While they are holding you on that premise, you can bet they will use the time to build their case.
Read moreThe short answer is "ask the attorney WTF happened". If what you are saying is true, the attorney dropped the ball, big time. But, most times there is another side of the story. The prosecutor probably presented some alarming fact-based theory where evidence or affidavit has given them the tool (with the magistrate) to get a no-bail hold on an individual.
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