If you need help comprehending bail charges and rates varying greatly depending on many conditions, many people wonder: What does a typical bail cost? How much does an average bail amount?
In this post, we’ll look at the world of bail, the elements that impact average bail amount, and specific bail amounts for certain offenses. Before considering bail average bail amount per crime and the quantum of cost involved, it is critical to understand what bail is and how it functions within the criminal justice system. So, let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Bail serving its purpose in criminal justice system:
Let us simplify bail for you: it is a monetary promise that a defendant will appear in court for their scheduled hearings and trial. It is used as collateral to ensure that the accused complies with the court’s orders and does not pose a flight risk or threat to the community. Posting a bail as the name suggests is the procedure of posting the money or it can be any form of collateral used to acquire the bail for the defendant sitting in the jail.
As it has become evident from the past discussion that the bail is a posted guarantee or the freedom guaranteed from the court of law in exchange of a collateral that the defendant can be set at liberty on a condition to attend his court hearing and to pursue the legal proceedings freely, without any penalty of incarceration. The bail can be often secured by the collateral deposited in the shape of average bail amount, by a near and dear, any friend, relative or a hired agent can be called as the third party.
Various factors influencing the average bail amount:
An average amount for bail is not a set standard which is practiced ridiculously and anyone can get the premium of it. No, this surely is not the case but always remember that whilst deciding the bail amount per crime, the competent authority let us say the judge has kept in view certain factors and the offense which has been committed to release the defendant in exchange of the collateral to the tune of a certain bail amount.
There is a set of variables including the type and severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, job and community links, and whether they are a flight risk. Each jurisdiction has its own bail schedule for affording average amount of bail, which offers standards for judges to use when determining bond amounts.
Bail categorized as crimes:
We have already brought it into your knowledge that the average amount of bail varies depending on the nature of the offense committed. Wherein it should be marked that criminal law has formulated a generalized classification of the offense which are divided into two categories:
- Misdemeanors;
- Felonies.
Misdemeanors:
Misdemeanors can be termed a no offense but they are less serious crimes punishable by fines and up to a year in jail. Misdemeanors can be construed as minor offenses and not the major ones. Hence the average bail amount for a misdemeanor, can be calculated as comparatively lower sums. As a result, minor bond amounts are typically lower than felonies and this as it is apparent from the description would not be heavy on one’s pocket.
Felonies:
This is a major crime category. Felonies are more serious offenses with greater consequences, including imprisonment for more than a year. They are also to be the offenses falling in the prohibitory clauses. Because of the greater seriousness, average bail amounts for crime are frequently much more than for misdemeanors and for sure it would be heavier on the pockets of the collateral providing person. Because the potential penalty for a felony crime is substantially larger, the judge may consider the defendant to be a bigger flight risk. In contrast, a misdemeanor has a substantially reduced flight risk because the final sentence if found will be less severe.
Think about it!
If a bail amount is set that is more than someone can afford or is excessive to the offenses, the case might be appealed to the Court of Appeals for a reduction. The likelihood that this method will succeed is significantly depending on the place and jurisdiction in question. Some are more inclined to cut the bail cost, while others will maintain the original amount. Consult a lawyer to see if this is a possibility for you.
Bail amounts per crime:
Now we will dive into the estimated average amounts of bail per crime. Below given an indicator what the situation can look like while bail schedule change by jurisdiction, there are certain broad trends for various crimes:
1. For domestic violence:
Domestic violence crimes are frequently associated with increased bail prices due to the victim’s potential risk. Bail for domestic violence crimes can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the nature of the incident and any prior domestic violence convictions.
2. For sexual offenses (Child pornography/Sexual activities):
The criminal justice system takes sexual offenses, including violence and child pornography, very seriously. Bail for these offenses can be fairly substantial, typically starting at $25,000 and rising to $500,000 or more in extreme situations.
3. For offenses of theft:
Theft-related offenses vary from shoplifting to grand theft auto. Bail amounts are determined by the value of the stolen item and the defendant’s criminal history. If the defendant displays a potent history of habitual offender, then the amount of bail would be much higher than the normal. For example, bail for petty theft can be as low as $500, whereas bail for big theft can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more.
4. For offenses like assault, battery & mayhem:
Assault charges can vary from simple assault to aggravated assault with a lethal weapon. Bail for assault charges normally begins around $1,000 for a basic assault and can rise to $50,000 bail crimes or more for more serious cases, such as those involving substantial bodily harm or the use of a lethal weapon.
5. How much is bail for robbery:
How much is bail for robbery? Well approximately $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the specifics of the incident. Anybody who was previously convicted of a felony crime, utilized a handgun and violence during the robbery, or committed the robbery in the first degree is more likely to face a larger bail.
In a nutshell:
Average bail amounts for crimes can vary greatly depending on the nature and severity of the act, the defendant’s criminal history, and the jurisdiction in which the crime happened.
Understanding these elements and working with an experienced bail bondsman can help defendants and their families navigate the complex world of bail and the criminal justice system.
Speak to us at Midwest bail bonding service and find yourself a best guide to assist. We are happy to take care of bail bonding’s for you
See More: Transit Bail: Can You Use a Bail Bondsman from Another State