How to Get a Bail Bond For an Art Theft Charge

Bail Bond For an Art Theft Charge

Whether it is for a misdemeanor, felony, or traffic offense, when the police release someone from custody, they make them promise to come back to court for their case. This promise is called a bail bond. It is an agreement between the jailed person, a friend or family member (usually called a co-signer), and the bail bondsman that the co-signer will pay the county the entire amount of the bail if the defendant does not appear in court as required by the Judge. Typically, a bail bondsman will charge the accused person a fee for posting this promise.

Often, the bail amount is set by a Judge and may be quite high. The Judge makes this decision based on the severity of the crime, the defendant’s background and reputation in the community, and any other information they receive from prosecutors and the police. The Judge also takes into account the defendant’s financial situation when setting a bail amount.

Sometimes, the Judge is willing to allow a personal bond, which is an agreement between the accused person and the bail bonds that the accused person will sign a written statement promising to show up in court when called and to comply with all conditions of the release. While a personal bond is not the preferred option for many of our clients, it can be an option if a defendant does not have enough money to post cash bail.

How to Get a Bail Bond For an Art Theft Charge

One of the ways to get a personal bond is for the accused person and his attorney to go directly to the Judge assigned to their case while he is in court for another case. This is referred to as a “walk thru” and most District Judges will do this for their cases.

While bail bonds serve a practical purpose in facilitating the release of individuals awaiting trial, the system has not escaped criticism. One of the primary concerns is the perceived inequality it introduces into the criminal justice system. Critics argue that the ability to secure one’s release often hinges on financial means, creating a system where the wealthy can avoid pre-trial incarceration, while those without resources remain behind bars.

This financial disparity is particularly evident in non-violent offenses where individuals pose minimal flight risks. Critics assert that the system disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities. In response to these concerns, some jurisdictions have explored alternative approaches to pre-trial release, aiming to address the imbalance inherent in the traditional bail bonds system.

The other way to get a personal bond is for the attorney to file a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus or a Motion for Bond Reduction, and request that the Judge grant the accused person a personal bond after a hearing. This is not guaranteed to be successful, but it is a possibility depending on the severity of the charge and the defendant’s criminal history.

In either case, as soon as possible after booking, a client should contact his criminal defense attorney, who can discuss the best options to help him stay out of jail until his case is resolved. The attorney can visit with the defendant in jail as soon as the jail allows, and usually will be able to arrange for bail right away.