What Is the Purpose of Bail?

Although bail is an amount of money you pay, it is not imposed as a fine or punishment. Instead, it serves to ensure that you will return to court when scheduled.

After you make bail, you will be released from the Southeast Regional Jail near Nelsonville, OH  jail and allowed to wait at home (or a court-sanctioned location) until your pretrial hearings and/or trial. Thus, bail also keeps individuals who are presumed innocent from remaining in custody.

Being out on bail provides you with greater opportunities to work closely and confidentially with your attorney. With increased access to them, you can more effectively develop a defense strategy for your case.

How Is Bail Set?

At a bail hearing or arraignment, a judge will determine what amount to set your bail for.

The judge will consider various factors when deciding bail, including but not limited to:

• The nature of the offense
• The evidence against the defendant
• The defendant’s criminal history
• The risk the defendant poses to the alleged victim or community as a whole
• Whether the defendant is a flight risk

In some cases, a judge may decide that the defendant can be released on their own recognizance, meaning they do not have to pay anything to get out of jail. In other cases, the judge may deny bail altogether.

What Are the Conditions of Bail?

If you’re released on bail, the judge will order certain terms. You must follow these conditions to the letter; otherwise, your bail may be revoked, and you’ll be sent back to jail. In severe cases, you may be criminally penalized.

A few of the conditions that might be imposed upon a defendant include being:

• Under the supervision of a designated agency
• Restricted on where they can go
• Under electronic monitoring
• Prohibited from contacting the victim
• Required to complete a substance abuse program

One of the main conditions of bail is agreeing to show up to all court proceedings. If you appear as required, the bail you posted will be returned to you (or you will satisfy your agreement with the bail bonds company). However, if you do not attend your hearings, bail will be forfeit, meaning you won’t get any of it back.

Our Athens Ohio Bail Bondsmen, in Athens, OH bail bondsman can help you understand your obligations when you’re out on bail. Speak with us as soon as possible to get the guidance you need in Athens, OH.