Most of the time when someone is arrested, they are charged with a crime then a judge sets bail. But what about when a person is facing multiple charges at the same time? Understanding how bail and bail bonds work in these situations – as well as how a bail bond company can assist during this process – can help alleviate some of the stress and confusion that defendants and their families have to endure.
How Bail Is Set for Multiple Charges
After an arrest, a defendant typically has to appear before a judge, who sets bail. When there are multiple charges, a judge may set separate bail amounts for each charge or set a single overarching bail amount that covers all charges. In many cases, bail is assigned per charge and then added together to create a total bail amount. For example:
- Charge 1: $5,000
- Charge 2: $10,000
- Charge 3: $1,500
The total bail would be $16,500, which is the amount that would need to be posted in order for a defendant to be released.
Why Bail Is Often Higher with Multiple Charges
Judges consider several factors when setting bail, including:
- Severity of the charges
- Prior criminal history
- Risk of flight
- Community ties
- Public safety concerns
When multiple charges are involved, the court may see the case as higher risk, resulting in a higher overall bail amount. This is where working with a reputable bail bond company becomes especially helpful.
How a Bail Bond Company Helps in Multi-Charge Cases
When bail is high, paying the full amount outright in cash is often unrealistic for families who want to see their loved one released from jail as soon as possible. Utilizing a bail bond company allows a licensed bail bondsman to post bail on a defendant’s behalf, enabling their prompt release at a fraction of the cost.
The premium for a bail bond is usually around 10% of the total bail amount. Using the above example, an $16,500 bail would result in a premium of $1,650 – meaning that instead of having to come up with $16,500, you pay the $1,650 premium, and the bail bond company guarantees the full amount to the court.
In addition to financial aspect, a bail bond company provides assistance with:
- Explaining bonds: Multiple charges can be confusing, so a bail bond company can clarify exactly what’s required for release.
- Coordinating with the jail and court: In multi-charge cases, paperwork can take longer and be more extensive. A bail bond company works directly with the court system to make sure everything is in order and release is processed as quickly as possible.
- Reviewing bond conditions: Multiple charges often have stricter bond conditions, and a bail bond company will ensure both the defendant and cosigner understand these stipulations to prevent violations.
- Flexible payment options: Higher bail amounts mean higher premiums, and bail bond companies often offer flexible options that can include payment plans, pay-in-full discounts, partial upfront payments, or electronic payments.
Conclusion
While dealing with multiple charges generally means higher bail and more paperwork, managing the situation doesn’t need to be overwhelming. A bail bond company’s role isn’t just to post bond, but to guide families through the legal process, clearly explain their responsibilities, and efficiently secure the defendant’s release. If you or a loved one are dealing with multiple charges, speaking with a licensed bail bondsman can provide direction and support when it’s needed most.
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