When you are arrested, you are going to have to go in front of a judge. The judge will determine if you are going to be released, and what you are going to have to pay in order to secure your bail to get out of jail. When it comes to the bail amount, the judge usually has a lot of discretion in setting the bail amount.

Factor #1: Type of Charges You Fact

The first factor the judge is going to look at is the seriousness of the charges that you are facing. If you are facing a low-level crime, your bail is going to be a lot smaller than it would be if you are facing a higher-level crime.

If you committed a non-violent offense, your bail is likely to be smaller. If you commit an offense that doesn't harm others, just yourself, the bail amount will likely be smaller. If you committed a violent crime, your bail amount is likely to be larger.

Factor #2: Your Criminal Past

If you don't have a criminal past at all, you are more likely to be let out without any bail, or you are more likely to be let out with a small bail amount. If you have a criminal past, but your past criminal actions occurred a long time ago, such as a decade or more ago, the judge is more likely to go easier on you.

If you have recently committed crimes, the judge may deny you bail or set your bail higher. The more recent your criminal activities, the more likely the judge is to set the bail high.

Factor #3: Your Job Status

Third, you are more likely to get a reasonable bail amount set if you have a job. When the judge sees you have a job and are contributing to society and paying bills, they are more likely to set a low bail amount so that you can get back to work and keep your job.

If you don't have a job, this could work against you and could cause the judge to actually set a higher bail amount.  

Factor #4: Community Connections

Fourth, your connections to the community matter. If you have family living in the area or family you are supporting, that will show you have a connection to the community and a reason for staying in the area. If you are part of any organization, be sure to let the judge know that as well. If you show you have connections to the community, the judge is more likely to think you'll stick around if they grant bail.

When you appear in front of a judge after being arrested, the judge has the ability to set your bail. The judge is going to consider various factors in order to set your bail amount. Some of these factors are already set in place, such as your criminal past and the charges you face. Others are more in control, such as your job status and community connections.

For more information about bail, speak with a member of a bail bondsman service. 

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