Standard Bail Hearing Procedures

After a person is arrested on criminal charges, they are given a bail hearing. At a bail hearing, it is the judge’s priority to determine how to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court when it comes time for sentencing. In order to accurately do this, the magistrate reviews various aspects of the defendant and their case.

Continue reading to learn what is to be expected at your bail hearing if you were recently indicted on criminal charges.

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Factors Reviewed By a Judge

During a bail hearing, the magistrate reviews the nature and circumstances of a defendant’s criminal charges. Primarily, they will be focused on learning whether or not the crime involved narcotics or violence. Also during a bail hearing, the court may review the defendant’s financial profile (i.e. property value, possessions, etc.) to see if they have assets that can be offered as collateral for bail.

There are various other aspects of a bail hearing that are examined by the judge. For instance, the judge will assess the weight of the evidence gathered against the defendant. They will also confirm if the defendant was on parole or probation when the new charges were brought against them.

Also, the judge will need to determine if the defendant poses a threat or danger to themselves, to others, and the community if released on bail. They will mostly make this determination based on the defendant’s character and criminal history.

Courts look at all sorts of evidence and criteria to assess a person’s level of threat to themselves and the community. The most common forms of evidence used to make this assessment include a person’s physical and mental condition, financial resources, family relations, drug and alcohol abuse history, court appearance record, length of residence in the community, and as mentioned, their criminal history.

As for the protection of the community, the courts may order a defendant to a number of mandatory requirements. Common court orders like these include staying within given boundaries, acquiring full-time employment, submitting to random drug and alcohol screening, committing to medical, psychiatric, or psychological treatment, and much more.

Bail Hearing Decisions

Whatever decisions are made at a bail hearing usually stick. It is unlikely for an appellate court to overturn a bail decision unless it was obviously unreasonable, erroneous, or arbitrary, and not supported by facts or law in relation to the case.

If you have questions about bail, contact a local and experienced Indianapolis bail bondsman for accurate information and advice you can trust.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for information about Indianapolis bail bonds and arrest warrants, anytime. Our licensed and insured bail bondsmen are happy to answer your questions about getting out of jail. We also offer convenient customer services, including free jail pick up and drop off services, notary services, 24 hour emergency bail bonds, and free jail and courthouse information. Request a free estimate or information, today.