Navigating the Alabama bail bond process can be overwhelming, especially when you or a loved one faces serious criminal charges. Trying to navigate both law enforcement and the local police department while also working to secure your release from jail and constructing a legal defense for any alleged crimes can seem daunting. Luckily, there are many reputable bail bond professionals in Alabama who possess the knowledge and experience needed to make securing temporary release from jail as simple as possible.
When dealing with the courts, bail plays a crucial role in securing a defendant’s temporary release. Bail is the amount set by the court as a financial guarantee for the accused’s appearance at all scheduled hearings. Defendants can pay the total bail amount themselves or find someone close to them that can assist in paying the total amount. Paying the total bail amount secures release from jail while the defendant awaits trial. The total bail amount minus fees is returned when the defendant appears at all required court dates.
In Alabama, bail bonds possess no eligibility requirements. Every defendant is guaranteed to be offered bail unless the defendant has committed a capital crime, meaning a crime that is punishable by the death penalty. If bail is granted, a bail hearing is scheduled, where the court will decide the conditions of release and set the total bail amount based on the specifics of the case and the background of the defendant.
Ultimately, the total bail amount is set at the discretion of the presiding judge. The State of Alabama bail bonds guidelines outline the specific factors a judge must consider in setting the total bail amount, which include the age, residence, and length of residence, background and family ties, the defendant’s reputation, character, and health, and the defendant’s prior criminal record.
The court will also consider employment and the location and length of that employment. Providing “the identity of responsible members” of the community who will vouch for the defendant’s reliability can also lead to a lower bail amount being set. The judge may also set the total bail amount higher if the crime involved the use or threat of violence or “threats made against victims and/or witnesses.”
Finding Reputable Bail Bonds Agents in Alabama
If you are facing criminal charges or need to get a family member, such as a daughter or son, out of jail, your best option is likely to work with a local, reputable bail bond company. A bail bondsman will post bond on your behalf, securing release while the defendant awaits trial. For this service, a bonding company typically charges a non-refundable fee that is equal to around 10% of the total bail amount.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone – there are many professional bail bond agents who are available 24 hours a day to help you during this difficult time. You can search BailAgentNetwork.com’s enormous list of locally-based Alabama bail bond service providers who are available to quickly help you or a loved one secure release from jail. If you have been granted a total bail amount, we highly recommend you use our bail bond fee calculator to see how much you will have to pay a bail agency to secure your temporary release from jail.