How is a Bail Bond in Tuscaloosa Determined?

When people find themselves being arrested and put in jail, there is usually one predominant thought running through their mind – getting out as soon as possible. Many of us are familiar with the general process of how this is achieved through a bail bond in Tuscaloosa, but few understand how that bail amount is determined.  

Factors Considered 

Once the defendant has been processed in the jail, the defendant will ordinarily receive the amount their bail has been set at during their first court appearance typically the same day as the arrest or the next soonest business day (if arrested over a weekend). A lawyer is not typically required to be present but depending on the severity of the crime, it may be wise to consider having one present to negotiate a reduced amount or one even to be offered. The Judge will then consider a number of factors to determine the amount of the bail through standard practices or the charge. They may also choose to either raise or lower the amount or even waive bail altogether and grant release on the defendant's own recognizance also referred to as an “R.O.R” in which case a cash personal bond or hiring a bail bond agent in Tuscaloosa would not be required. 

The main factors considered are but not limited to:  

• The severity of the crime 
• Whether or not the defendant has employment  
• The defendant’s prior criminal history  
• Whether the defendant has close ties to relatives and the community 
• Whether or not they may be a danger to the community 
• 
  

If a judge should choose to deny bail, it is likely the defendant is either a high flight risk or has been deemed a danger to society and will be held until the conclusion of their trial.  

Bail Algorithms 

Recently, many court jurisdictions have begun using specially designed math algorithms to make informed decisions about release from jail, pretrial. In these areas, they will enter information regarding the defendant and their charges into a specialized program and a score is generated. These scores act as recommendations to the court for the amount of bail to be set. These bail algorithms are designed to assess the likelihood the defendant will commit another crime or whether they may fail to appear in court at the appointed time. 

 While these are the standard things a court will look at, there will be variations between state to state, the accused crime, and the individual themselves. For assistance in getting a bail bond, Alabama Bail Bonds is here to help. Visit their website at www.alabailbonds.com or give them a call at (205) 339-7109.