Watch What You Do! You Could Be Putting Yourself At Risk Of An Increased Bond Amount?

After you are arrested, you will appear before a judge at a arraignment hearing. The judge will normally set a bail amount you need to pay to be released. You may also have someone pay this out of their pocket. Additionally, you can hire a bail bond company to post a bond for you.

You will be released once you or someone else posts your bail. 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. As such, the judge may increase or revoke your bond. Below 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, if the police charge you with assault. however, the alleged victim later dies, the police may change your charges to first or second-degree murder.

The court may also issue a  bench warrant.  This warrant 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 Could Be A Risk Of An Increased Bond If 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 or may intimidate or influence witnesses, they will increase or even revoke your bail amount. As a result, you or your family will have to pay the bail bondsman an additional bail premium. If the court revokes your bail, you will forfeit any premium paid to the bail bond agency.

You Could Be A Risk Of An Increased Bond If A Judge Determines You Pose To Be A 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.

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