Legal Representation at Bond Hearings

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When a person is arrested for a criminal offense, they are usually brought before a judge within 24 hours. This is the person's first appearance in court, at which time the charges against them will be read and bond will be set. The purpose of a bond is to ensure the person will show up for future court appointments. It is a monetary amount that must be paid before the individual will be released from jail. The money that is paid for the bond is a type of 'insurance,' and is not returned until the conclusion of the case.

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A bond is usually set according to pre-determined monetary amounts for various crimes, but the amount can also be raised or lowered depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the case. In some situations, such as a capital crime, the judge can decide to forgo the bond and keep the accused incarcerated until trial. A defense lawyer should be present at a bond hearing to help ensure that a bond is set, terms are favorable and at the lowest amount possible. An accomplished defense attorney may even be able to arrange for a defendant to be released on their own recognizance, without paying bond.