Increased Bond Amounts Happen When You Don’t Comply With Your Bond Conditions. So Ask Yourself, Are You At Risk?
A judge normally sets a bail amount you need to pay to be released after you get arrested. You may have someone pay this out of their pocket or hire a bail bond company to post a bond for you. However, you could be at risk for increased bond amounts.
Once you are released, you may think this is all you will have to pay until the court hears your case. Unfortunately, this is not always true. The court can revisit your case. They have the authority to increase or revoke your bond. Here are a few reasons why.
Additional Charges
One of the most common reasons for an increase in bail is that you have incurred additional charges. These new accusations may result from changes in your original charges. They could also be in addition to your actual charges.
For example, lets say the police initially charge you with assault. However, the alleged victim dies. Then, the police may change your charges to first or second-degree murder. But you may also accrue additional charges if the police investigation shows you did something else during the assault.
The court may also issue a bench warrant that could result in additional charges if the judge feels you violated any of the court’s rules or failed to appear on one of your court dates. A bench warrant is the same as any other arrest warrant. It authorizes law enforcement to arrest you and return you to court.
You Pose a Risk to Others
Facing criminal charges can be a very emotional period. You may have poor responses to certain people, especially true if you feel you are being falsely accused or railroaded. In this situation, you may do or say things that make others think you are a risk to their health and safety.
If the court feels you pose a risk to others, they may raise your bond or revoke it. The same thing could be said if the court feels you maybe intimidating or influencing witnesses. The court has the right to increase or even revoke your bail amount.
If the court increases your bail amount, you or your family will have to pay the bail bondsman an additional bail premium to post the additional amount. If the court revokes your bail, you will forfeit any premium paid to the bail bond agency.
You Pose an Increased Risk of Flight
Most bail or bond conditions include orders not to leave the state. While your bail bond agent will review your specific rules with you, if the court feels you pose an additional flight risk, they may increase your bail.
Many criminal justice systems now use data-driven risk assessments to determine your risk of reoffending and your risk of complying with the court’s requirements. The court also uses these tools to assess your level of supervision requirements. For example, a risk assessment will help the court decide if you need electronic monitoring once the court releases you from lockup.
Some things taken into consideration during your risk assessment include the following:
- Your ties to the community—including employment, family, and housing
- The nature of your crime
- Your prior criminal history
- Your employment record
- Any previously failed court appearances
The court may also order you to hand over your passport if you have one. If you need to travel out of state for any reason, make sure you have written permission from the court, your lawyer, or your bail bond agent.
BailOption can help you with any bonds you face if you are arrested in Florida. BailOption will not only post your initial bond but will help you with any increases you face as your case progresses. Give us a call today so that we may help you.
If you would like to learn more about how we can assist you, contact us today through the website.
You can also call us directly at (800) 524-0684.
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