Working with bail bond agencies is something most of us don’t do often, if ever, so there are many myths and falsehoods out there. One of the big ones is that the bail amount will somehow be lower if you use one bail bond agency over another – and that’s simply not the case. That’s all up to the judge or magistrate. The possibility of modifying bail amounts also depends on the judge. Judges sometimes are open to modifying bail amounts to lower them, but they also could decide to increase bail.
Factors Judges Could Consider when Setting Bail Amounts
Before we get into the possibility of modifying bail amounts, let’s discuss the issues that a judge could consider when setting bail to begin with. They include:
• The possibility of danger to the community.
• Whether or not the defendant is a flight risk.
• The defendant’s past criminal history, or lack thereof.
• The severity of the crime.
• The defendant’s job status and ties to the community.
The Possibility of Modifying Bail Amounts
An attorney can make a motion to modify bail, but here’s the kicker: The attorney on either side of the case can do so.
A defense attorney may argue that bail should be reduced in order to allow a defendant to maintain work. She may also argue that the defendant has a clear criminal history or appeared in court in past criminal cases. She also may stress that her client is not a danger to the community and therefore should not be unfairly punished with the higher bail amount.
On the other hand, a prosecuting attorney may argue the exact opposite. He may say that the defendant is a danger to the community, arguing that bail should be even higher or revoked completely.
Another reason why a change in bail amounts might take place is because additional charges or details arise.
The financial factor that a bail bond agency is involved with is a one-time, non-refundable fee for its services. According to Michigan law, the fee cannot be more than 10 percent of the full bail amount.
Contact Detroit Bail Bonds for More Information
If you need more information about the possibility of modifying bail amounts in your specific case, contact your attorney or reach out to us. We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our Detroit Bail Bonds website or by phone at 313-244-0669. We will help answer your questions or direct you to the best resources to help you.
Tags: bail bonds, Modifying Bail