Have You Been Arrested? Learn What Factors Can Affect How Much Your Bail Is

Bail is designed to help individuals who have been arrested get out of jail until their trial comes to a close. But, at the same time, the amount of bail that is posted is supposed to be a large enough deterrent to prevent the individual from fleeing and instead, force them to go to court. Because everyone’s circumstances are different, the amount of bail that is set for different individuals varies. Here are just a few of the factors that can affect how much your bail bond is set at in Las Vegas.

The Bail Bonds Schedule

The state of Nevada has a bail schedule. This bail schedule sets a standard bail amount for many common, non-violent crimes. The bail schedule is supposed to be imposed on those who are being charged with these common, non-violent crimes and do not have previous felonies or a lengthy rap sheet for misdemeanors. The reason a bail schedule is in place is to help set a bail amount for those who are charged with these common crimes quickly. This helps to free up other resources setting bail for a more complicated and complex case and offenders. If your bail amount is set by the bail schedule, you will be told the bail amount when you are booked into the Las Vegas jail.

Whether Your Crime Was Violent or Non-Violent in Nature

Another factor that affects how much your bail is set at is whether the crime you are being charged with is violent or non-violent. Those that are charged with violent crimes tend to have higher bail amounts than those charged with non-violent crimes. In addition to having a higher bail amount, you may also be ordered to stay away from your victim if you are released on bail for a violent crime. If you violate that order, you can be sent back to jail and your bail bond can be immediately revoked.

How Many Prior Convictions You Have and What Those Convictions Are For

When bail is being set, your past criminal history will be looked at carefully. The courts have to assess whether you are a flight risk and a risk to the community before they can release you on bail. If you have other criminal charges in the past, you can expect your bail to be significantly higher than someone who has no other criminal convictions. Some states take each conviction and multiply that by the bond schedule amount. Nevada is not one of the states that automatically does this, but a judge can decide to do this on their own if they feel your past history warrants it.

Whether You Are Deemed to Be a Flight Risk

Your risk of fleeing has a huge outcome on the amount your bail bonds will be set at. Those who do not have strong ties to the community, that may have fled past criminal charges or who are citizens in another country are deemed to be a flight risk. Bail can be set high to deter you from fleeing in these situations or bail can be denied completely. Many tourists are arrested when visiting Las Vegas, so a judge does take into account that Vegas is a tourist town. However, they also need to do their due diligence and do what they can to help ensure you show up for court.

What Your Current Financial Situation Is

The last factor that is looked at when determining how much your bail will be set at is what your current financial situation is. In most cases, this is looked at closely at a bail reduction hearing, rather than when you are simply admitted into jail. Bail is not supposed to punish the poor who cannot afford to bail out. If a judge finds that you should be able to bail out of jail, but you simply do not have the money, they may be able to help reduce the amount your bail is set at, to help you remain free until there is a resolution to your case.

Has bail been set for you or a loved one? Are you looking to bail out of a Las Vegas area jail? If so, Lightning Bail can assist you. Contact us today and let us help you post bail on behalf of yourself or a loved one.