When is Bail Set?
If you've been arrested for a crime in Ohio, you may be able to post bail to get out of jail while your case is pending. Bail serves as a security to the court that you will show up as scheduled for your case.
Posting bail is important, as it allows you to remain free (with certain conditions) while you await trial. Otherwise, you would have to stay in police custody until your case concludes. So when can you bail yourself or have a loved one bail you out of jail? You must wait until a magistrate or judge sets the bail amount.
Your First Appearance in Court
As soon as reasonably possible after your arrest, you must be brought to court. This initial appearance, referred to as an arraignment, is not the trial itself. Instead, it opens up your case.
During the arraignment, the judge may set bail. They will also inform you of your rights and the charges against you and ask if you understand them. You may also be asked to enter a plea (guilty or not guilty).
When Is Bail Set After Arrest?
Generally, the arrangement takes place within 72 hours of an arrest. Thus, bail will be set by at least the third day that court is in session after you have been taken into custody.
How Is Bail Determined?
The judge will consider many factors in determining bail, such as:
- The severity of the alleged offense,
- Your criminal history, and
- The likelihood of your fleeing before your court date.
A Bail Hearing
Depending on the crime you have been accused of, the prosecutor may motion for a bail hearing. This proceeding is where a judge will determine whether the crime is bailable. In other words, they will decide whether you should be allowed out of jail or whether bail should be denied.
Non-bailable offenses in Ohio include:
The burden rests on the prosecutor to prove that you should be denied bail because the offense was severe and you would pose a danger to others in the community if you were released.
You will remain in police custody until the bail hearing concludes. Typically, a continuance for a bail hearing cannot exceed three days.
Alternative to Setting Bail in Ohio
For many misdemeanor offenses, bail is set by a court-approved schedule. This means that there is a pre-determined amount arrestees can pay for pretrial release. Bail schedules allow greater efficiency in the criminal justice process because you would not have to wait for the arraignment to get out of jail.
Reaching Out to an Ohio Bail Bonds Company
Whether bail is set by a judge or a bail schedule, the amount you must pay to secure release from jail after an arrest can be high. If you or your friends or family do not have the cash on hand to pay, you would have to remain behind bars.
However, you can turn to a bail bonds agency for help posting bail. Typically, these companies charge only a 10% premium for their services. That means you can be released on bail for a fraction of the entire bail amount. For instance, if your bail was set at $5,000, you would owe the bail bonds company only $500. And while the premium is not returned after your case, retaining the services of a bail bonds agency can be a more affordable option. It can also facilitate a quicker release from jail after your arrest.
At Andy Callif Bail Bonds, we understand the importance of being released from jail while awaiting trial. Remaining out of police custody can have a substantial impact on your well-being and relationships. It also allows you a better opportunity to build your defense.
That is why our team provides high-quality bail bonds services to those arrested in and around Columbus, OH. We are also available 24/7 and offer convenient payment plans.
Our Ohio bail bonds agency serves clients in the following areas:
- Franklin County
- Vinton County
- Summit County
- Akron
- Athens
- Canton
- Chillicothe
- Circleville
- Delaware
- Hillsboro
- Lancaster
- Logan
- Washington
- Wilmington
- And more!
To learn more about how we can help, call us at (614) 945-4334 or contact us online today.