If you find yourself behind bars, getting released is of utmost importance. Working, spending time with your family, and trial preparation are all more possible once you are free from jail. In some cases, the only thing standing between you and your freedom is bail. Read on to find out what is evaluated and what you can do to increase your chances of being released on bail.

Your Record 

Admittedly, if you are standing before the judge and asking for bail, it might be too late to hope that your criminal record is not bad enough for bail to be denied. On the other hand, if you are a first-time offender and the crime of which you are accused is minor, you will almost assuredly be given a bail option. The jails are already packed with people awaiting trial so judges will take into account the other issues listed here in addition to your criminal record. One issue that is sure not to help you, however, is a record of skipping out on previous bail releases.

Community Ties 

Your reputation is taken into consideration when deciding bail. Typically, the judge will question you about your job, your education, where you live, and family ties to determine the likelihood of your return to face future court dates. If possible, having several family members or co-workers by your side when arguing for bail will present an impressive picture of having community ties.

Legal Representation 

Depending on the way things are done in your local area, bail hearings may be separate events or they may be part of the arraignment. The arraignment usually happens very soon after an arrest, and not everyone has time to have legal representation by their side. Having a lawyer helps your case in several ways, however, so bail can be challenged and lowered once you are able to speak to one. Criminal law attorneys understand what the judge is looking for in regards to bail in ways that most of the accused are not. In some cases, having an attorney present can result in being released on your own recognizance. This means that no bail is needed. Additionally, judges are more likely to grant bail to those with legal representation at the hearing because the attorney is an officer of the court and must do everything in their power to ensure that the defendant returns to face the judge later on.

Speak to a bail bondsman to find out how you can be bailed out without having to pay the full price of the bail.

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