Forgery is a serious crime that involves the creation or alteration of documents, checks, or other valuable items with the intent to deceive or defraud. Typically, forgery is defined as the act of creating, altering, or using a document or instrument with false information or counterfeit elements to deceive others. This can encompass various crimes, including forged signatures on checks, counterfeit IDs, manipulated real estate documents, and more. Charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with the total bail amount for forgery fluctuating based on the severity of the offense.
When someone is arrested and charged with forgery, they are typically brought before a judge who will determine their total bail amount. In some cases, bail is set by a local bail schedule, but even then, the presiding judge still has significant discretion in determining the total bail amount. The nature and extent of the forgery charges play a pivotal role in determining the total bail amount. For instance, a single forged check is likely to result in a different total bail amount than an elaborate mortgage fraud scheme. Flight risk, or the likelihood that the defendant may flee to evade prosecution, is also considered by the judge when determining the total bail amount. In cases involving substantial financial harm or widespread fraud, the judge may further consider community safety when setting bail. The defendant’s criminal history can also impact the total bail amount, as repeat offenders may face higher total bail amounts.
The total bail amount for forgery usually aligns with the bail amounts for fraud charges and other similar fraud crimes. It also varies based on the severity of the charges. For less severe offenses, the total bail amount might be set at a relatively low figure, potentially in the range of a few thousand dollars. However, in cases of complex forgery schemes, the total bail amount can be substantially higher, potentially reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In instances where the total bail amount is set particularly high, or if bail is denied altogether, a skilled criminal defense attorney can assist in presenting a strong case for release or bail reduction. It’s essential to remember that each case is unique, and the circumstances surrounding forgery charges can vary significantly.
Bail Bonds for Forgery Charges
When the total bail amount for forgery charges exceeds the defendant’s financial means, they may seek assistance from a local, reputable bail bondsman. A bail bondsman is a licensed professional who specializes in providing bail bond services and acts as a surety to secure the defendant’s temporary release from jail. Typically, a bail bond agent charges a non-refundable fee, often around 10% of the total bail amount, in exchange for posting bond on the defendant’s behalf.
Many bail bond agents offer flexible payment plans to accommodate the financial situations of the defendant and their loved ones. Search our nationwide database of high-quality, reputable bail bond professionals to find the right bail bondsman for you. If you know your total bail amount, use our bail bond for forgery fee calculator to see how much you can expect to pay a bail bond agent in exchange for posting bond on your behalf.