Bail bonds serve an important function for the law. If you are arrested, you’re generally booked and taken to jail. Depending on the nature of the crime and the guidelines of your local laws, you may be able to be released on bail before your trial date. This clears up space in small prisons and also affords people the time to get their business in order before going to trial. The initial reason bail was used to release defendants before they’ve gone to trial is so that they have some form of collateral that is used to make sure that the defendant shows up to their trial date in the courtroom.
How Is Bail Decided?
Bail is usually decided by a judge during a bail hearing before the trial date. During the bail hearing, the judge decides on how much the bail will be depending on the circumstances of the defendant and the crimes involved. It is possible that bail could be denied if the crime that the defendant has been accused of is particularly violent or if they would be considered a flight risk. The defendant has the choice as to what avenue they would like to take, and generally search for PA bail bonds to find a bail bondsman that they want to work with. Usually, the full amount of money for the bond is put up and will be returned when the defendant shows up to court, with the exception of court and bail bondsman fees.
What Happens If The Defendant Doesn’t Show Up?
If the defendant doesn’t show up to their court date, then the money that is put down to the bail bondsman is considered to be in default and the person who put up the bail could be ordered to pay the entire amount set by the court if the defendant never shows up. This money then goes to the court system.
