In the court system, jurisdictions typically have set bail amounts for certain offenses and standard practices for others. The set amounts allow arrested persons to regain their freedom on nights, holidays and weekends when judges are not holding bail hearings. For offenses without set amounts, the person must stay in jail until the hearing. If this individual cannot afford bail, they may be able to obtain a jail bond in Clayton County from a licensed organization.
Set Bail Schedules
Set or uniform bail schedules are only for relatively common and nonviolent crimes. Examples in various jurisdictions include driving under the influence, reckless driving, hunting without a license, certain types of vandalism, and disturbing the peace.
Standard Practices for Bail
Judges are not required to follow standard practices, although they generally do. If the standard bail for a certain offense is $1,000, for example, the judge might increase the bail beyond this amount, depending on the circumstances of the case. The more expensive the bail, the more likely it is that the defendant will need a jail bond in Clayton County. It may be impossible to come up with the amount of cash demanded.
Release on One’s Own Recognizance
The judge can also waive bail altogether and allow the defendant to leave, a situation known legally as being released on one’s own recognizance. No matter what, the released defendant is required to attend every scheduled court appointment or risk being returned to jail until trial or other resolution of the case.
Acquiring a Bail Bond When Personal Funds Are Available
A person who has been arrested may also choose to seek help from an organization such as Free At Last Bail Bonds, even if they have funds available in a savings account or through a loan from friends or family. This person might feel nervous about taking so much money from savings for bail, even though that amount will be returned when the case is resolved one way or another. What if a financial emergency arises in the meantime? The immediate cost for the bond, normally around ten percent of the full bail amount, may seem preferable.
