What is Bail, and How Does It Work?

Bail allows defendants to remain free while waiting for a trial date. The bail process involves a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) setting the conditions for the defendant’s release, usually including a monetary amount, to help ensure the defendant will appear in court. If you have been arrested, having a reliable Lebanon, PA, criminal defense lawyer advocate for you during this process can help increase your chances of going home and securing the most favorable bail conditions.

What You Should Know About The Bail Process in Lebanon, PA

You will face an MDJ within 48 or 72 hours of your arrest for the preliminary arraignment, which is your first court appearance. The judge must determine your eligibility for bail and under what terms. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, they can release you on your own recognizance, non-monetary conditions, unsecured bail, or nominal bail, assign a monetary bail amount, or deny you bail.

If the judge grants you monetary bail, you’ll pay the full bail amount upfront in cash or a bail bond, in which a bail bondsman or company guarantees your payment. Some judges may let defendants use a property bond, such as real estate, as collateral for their release, depending on specific circumstances.

If you’re granted unsecured bail, you don’t need to pay anything unless you don’t show up in court. With nominal bail, you must deposit a symbolic cash amount guaranteed by a bail company. If the judge decides to release you on your own recognizance or non-monetary conditions, you will not have to pay anything. You just need to ensure that you follow the conditions of your release.

The judge must consider various factors when determining your eligibility for bail. These factors include the following:

• The seriousness and nature of the offense you allegedly committed
• Any prior criminal history
• Whether you’re a danger to the public
• Ties to your local community, such as family or a job
• Whether you’re a flight risk

But you need to understand that bail isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card. The money is essentially held as a promise that you’ll come back. If you do, you’ll get it back (minus court fees). If you don’t, the money is forfeited, and the judge will highly likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Unfortunately, the system isn’t always forgiving, especially to defendants who can’t afford to pay. That’s why having legal support from an experienced Lebanon, PA, criminal defense attorney is key to making the process more manageable and less intimidating.

How a Lebanon, PA, Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You

A proactive Lebanon, PA, criminal defense attorney can step in right away and advocate for the most favorable bail terms possible. That can include pushing for release on recognizance or presenting evidence that justifies lowering the bail amount. They can also request a bail modification hearing if circumstances change, or the initial amount set is simply out of reach financially.

Likewise, they can help ensure that you fully understand and comply with any conditions of your release. These conditions could include things like travel restrictions, check-ins with court officials, or staying away from certain people or places. Otherwise, a violation can lead to you getting re-arrested and facing even harsher penalties.

Reach Out to Our Seasoned Lebanon, PA, Criminal Defense Attorney For Guidance Navigating The Bail Process

At Feeman Law Offices, your freedom is our priority. The earlier our Lebanon, PA, criminal defense lawyer starts working on your case, the better they can gather evidence, assess the prosecution’s arguments, and protect your rights. Call 717-273-1763 or contact us online to schedule your confidential case evaluation.