It can be such a relief when a judge grants you bail to get back home after being arrested. Some defendants make the mistake of thinking that once bail is set, there is no chance that the amount can change. This is a misconception that is worth exploring. A judge can change the bail amount at any time, and will, if they think that the situation warrants it. Ajua Bail Bonds is here to talk about some of the reasons a judge might change the bail amount after initially setting it.
Reasons a Judge Might Raise Bail Amounts
Criminal cases are a living, breathing thing until a verdict is made. Because they are constantly changing and evolving, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the bail amount isn’t always cut and dry either. There are circumstances that can cause a judge to revisit the bail amount and increase it because there are factors about the case that are justifying the increase. Here are some of the reasons a judge might increase bail:
– More Serious / Additional Charges: If the charges against a defendant start out as a misdemeanor and then change to something more serious, a judge may look at that and decide to raise the bail amount. Similarly, if there are more developments throughout the investigation, the judge may make adjustments to bail.
– Public Safety Concerns: The just may not realize how dangerous the defendant is to the public, right away. Sometimes, there is new evidence that comes to light that makes the judge feel that there is a risk to public safety. In this situation, the bail amount will likely be raised as well.
– Condition of Victim: If there is a victim in the case that is injured and their condition worsens, it could be a cause for bail to be raised. The bail should reflect the severity of the condition of the victim.
– Property Damage: The damage to a property involved in the crime may not be fully realized at first. If the damage is more severe than the court realized, the bail will be raised to match the severity of the damage.
– Revealed Criminal History: The judge may not have all the facts about the defendant at first. If there is a lengthy criminal history that comes to light, it could cause the judge to re-think the bail amount.
Bail Bond Services in Clovis, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Atwater, Los Banos, Merced, Visalia, Porterville, Tulare, Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore & Greater Fresno, CA
If the bail amount for a defendant is raised for any reason, the defendant can choose to contest the increase or simply pay the increased bail. No matter what they decide to do, Ajua Bail Bonds is here and ready to help you come up with the funds needed to get out of jail on bail. We want to help you get home where you belong. Once you get out on bail, you can start working with your attorney to strengthen your defense. Call us today!
