The Exceptions to Your Right to Bail

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Usually, anyone under arrest has the right to bail. However, there are some circumstances in which a person in custody would be denied this right. In most cases, this happens because a defendant who is facing felony charges is found to be a danger to themselves or to others. Other reasons involve the severity of criminal charges, criminal history, flight risk, and more. The decision to deny bail is actually very complex and comprehensive. It is a duty that is taken very seriously by the law and by the court system. But it does happen quite often. Learn why, below.

Bail Hearings

In most cases bail is granted. It is generally set directly following a defendant’s arrest at a bail hearing. At this hearing, the bail amount is set by the presiding judge. The amount of bail depends on several factors, including the county’s particular bail schedule, as well as the severity of crime, priors, pending charges, and more. But in some federal cases, bail is denied.

This can be for a number of reasons. Depending on the jurisdiction, guidelines can differ, but it is common for bail to be denied based on a public safety exception. This exception implies that the defendant poses a risk of danger to themselves and others if released on bail before their trial date. This is sometimes referred to as a “protective detention.”

In federal court, the Bail Reform Act of 1984 decrees when judges have the right to deny bail based on the danger risk of a defendant. These protective detentions are permitted by the Act so long as the defendant is being charged with a certain type of federal offense. These offenses include:

Violent Crimes
Crimes Involving Minors
Neglecting to Register as a Sex Offender
Drug Crimes with Maximum Penalty of 10 Years
Crimes with a Maximum Penalty of a Life Sentence
Crimes with a Maximum Penalty of Capital Punishment
Felony Crimes with 2 Prior Qualifying Crimes on Criminal Record
Crimes Involving Weapon Possession or Use

These offenses only make a defendant eligible for denied bail. It does not guarantee that their bail will be denied. A judge must also take into consideration the level of danger the defendant poses to the community and to themselves. They must consider the nature of the crime, the seriousness of the risk they pose to others, and the level of evidence the prosecution has against them, as well as the defendant’s criminal history, personal characteristics, mental illnesses, substance abuse problems, employment, family, and more. If a judge denies bail, they must explain why in a written order. Defendants have the right to appeal the order in a higher court, but these kind of appeal are rarely won.

Indiana Bail Bonds You Can Trust

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional bail bond services in Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of licensed and insured bail agents, provide 24 hour bail bonds in over 30 Indiana counties. Regardless of time, day, or city, we can get you out of jail fast, and for as low as 8% of your total bond! Request a free estimate, anytime.

FAQs About Bail Hearings

Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

Bail Bonds Indianapolis 317-876-9600

A bail hearing is a court trial that determines an offender’s bail eligibility. At this hearing, a judge decides whether or not to set bail for the offender, or keep them in custody until their trial or until they enter a plea deal. Many people are confused after an arrest, and worry about the proceedings that need to take place to secure a release from jail. If you are preparing to surrender to an arrest warrant, or have a loved one currently in custody, you can benefit from the information below.

Continue reading to find the most frequently asked questions about bail hearings and better understand what to expect.

When Does the Bail Hearing Take Place?

There are several factors that influence the amount of time a bail hearing will occur from the time of arrest. These factors include the complexity of the case, the severity of the crime, criminal history, enhancements (factors that increase the criminal charges or penalties), court traffic, and more. However, by law, an offender must be presented in front of a court within 24 hours of detainment. If at that time the bail cannot be addressed, the court will adjourn and reschedule. But the bail hearing must be rescheduled with 3 days from that time. More time may pass at the permission of the defense.

Is an Arraignment the Same as a Bail Hearing?

The initial hearing after your arrest, also sometimes referred to as an arraignment, your charges will be read and you will be given a choice of entering into a plea deal. At this same hearing, your bail will be determined. A judge will either grant you bail privileges, or deny them and detain you until your sentencing trial.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bail Hearing?

No one has to have a lawyer for a bail hearing, but it is strongly recommended. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given the opportunity to have a public defender represent your case for free. It is best to hire private counsel directly after an arrest so that they can get started on your case right away. They can negotiate your terms of release and more.

Indianapolis Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to speak with a licensed agent about getting out of jail in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and our team of licensed bail bondsmen provide prompt and secure bail bond services for virtually all Indiana counties and cities.