Shoplifting, a common criminal offense involving the theft of merchandise from retail stores, can lead to legal trouble for individuals caught in the act. When someone faces shoplifting or theft charges, the pressing question often is, “How much is bond for shoplifting?”
Determining Bail Amounts for Shoplifting
The question of how much bond is for shoplifting can vary widely based on the specific circumstances of the case, including the many different types of theft, the value of stolen items, and the defendant’s criminal history. Shoplifting can range from petty theft, involving the theft of items of minimal value, to grand theft, which typically involves more significant losses. The severity of the offense often corresponds to the total bail amount set by the court.
In many jurisdictions, a bail schedule exists to guide judges in determining total bail amounts for different offenses, including shoplifting. The bail schedule provides a range of bail amounts based on the specific type and value of stolen items. For example, if someone is caught shoplifting a small item from a grocery store worth a few dollars, the total bail amount is likely to be relatively low. However, for cases deemed felony theft, or those where the stolen property was of great value, the total bail is likely to be substantially higher.
The presence of prior convictions can significantly impact the bail bond process for shoplifting charges. If a defendant has a history of theft-related offenses, judges may view them as a higher flight risk or as a repeat offender. Consequently, total bail amounts for individuals with prior convictions may be set at a higher level, making the services of a bail bond agent even more valuable.
Common Bail Amounts for Shoplifting
“How much is bond for shoplifting?” This question depends on the total bail amount for shoplifting, which can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the specific details of the case. In some states, the total bail amount for misdemeanor shoplifting may range from $250 to $1,000 or more, depending on the circumstances. Felony charges for shoplifting can result in significantly higher bail amounts, potentially reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
For instance, someone charged with felony shoplifting, which often involves stealing high-value items or repeat offenses, may face a total bail amount ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 or more. These figures can be daunting, especially for individuals with limited financial resources.
Obtaining a Bail Bond for Shoplifting
Posting bail while facing shoplifting charges can be challenging, especially if the total bail amount is large or if the defendant lacks sufficient financial resources. This is why it is crucial to seek out a local, reputable bail bond company like the many that are listed on the nation’s largest bail bond agent directory, BailAgentNetwork.com. A bail bond agent specializes in helping defendants secure their release by posting bond on their behalf. To obtain a bail bond for shoplifting, a defendant typically pays a non-refundable fee, which is usually around 10% of the total bail amount to the bondsman. This secures their release from jail while they await trial.
If you have been granted a total bail amount and are looking to work with a bail bondsman, use our online shoplifting bail bond fee calculator to determine the non-refundable fee you’ll need to pay a bail bond agent. Also, if you’re looking to find a reputable bail bondsman near you, use the online directory at BailAgentNetwork.com to search the largest selection of bail agents in the country, all of them ready to help you secure your release from jail.