When someone is charged with a serious crime like murder, one of the first things that comes to mind is securing their release from jail. In some cases, the judge may set bail, which is an amount of money that the defendant must pay to be released from jail until their trial.
In cases of murder charges, there are different degrees of murder, and the amount of bail will vary depending on the degree of the charge. For instance, 1st-degree murder is the most serious charge, and bail may be either denied or set at a high amount that may be difficult to pay. In contrast, 2nd-degree murder bail will likely be set at a lower amount, making it easier for the defendant to post bail and be released from jail.
What is 2nd Degree Murder?
In most states, 2nd-degree murder is defined as a murder that is committed with malice aforethought, but without premeditation or deliberation. This means that the act of killing was intentional, but it was not planned in advance.
Involuntary manslaughter and voluntary manslaughter may also fall under the category of 2nd-degree murder, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the crime. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when someone kills another person unintentionally, such as in cases of reckless driving or negligence. Voluntary manslaughter, on the other hand, is when someone kills another person in the heat of passion or under extreme emotional distress.
How is Bail Determined for 2nd Degree Murder?
When someone is charged with 2nd-degree murder, the Judge may set a total bail amount, which is typically based on a variety of factors. The Judge will consider the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, whether they are a flight risk and likelihood of the defendant fleeing before appearing in court. Additionally, a Judge is likely to take into consideration if the defendant is a risk to the community’s safety.
The amount of bail for 2nd-degree murder will vary depending on the state, the specifics of the case, and the defendant’s individual circumstances. In some murder cases, associated offenses and the intent to commit a crime will be considered
Post Bond with a Bail Bondsman
Paying the bail amount can be challenging, especially if the total bail amount is set at a high level. Fortunately, defendants may choose to work with a reputable, local bail bondsman to post bond on their behalf. A bail bondsman is a licensed professional who provides bail bond services to defendants who cannot pay the full amount of bail.
When a defendant works with a bail bondsman, they pay a non-refundable fee that is equal to 10% of the total bail amount. The bail bondsman will then post bond with the court, securing the defendant’s release from jail until their trial.
If you have been granted a total bail amount, use our online bail bond calculator for murder to determine the amount you’ll need to pay a bail bond agent to post bond on your behalf.