Texas bail law is very similar to other states. Bail is an amount of money that an accused person pays so that they can be released from custody while they await their trial. If they show up in court, they get their money back. If they flee, they will be required to pay the bail amount. If the person has the required amount of money, they can pay the bail. This can be done with cash or, in some instances, credit cards or collateral such as vehicles or real estate.
If the defendant can’t raise sufficient funds, then they can secure a bond, which is a promise to pay. For most bond companies, the defendant is responsible for paying 10 percent of the bail amount, and the bond company covers the rest. The bond company now becomes responsible for ensuring the defendant shows up at their court date. Here at Freedom Bail Bonds, we help defendants get out of jail on bond in Tarrant County, so give us a call to get yourself or a loved one out of jail after arrest.
How Is the Bail Amount Set in Texas?
Every court in Texas has a bond schedule that judges use to help guide them when setting bail. This varies depending on the type of crime, and the judge can adjust the amount based on the case. The factors used to determine the bail amount include the severity of the case, if the defendant was out on bail during the time of this arrest, if the defendant is a risk to society, if there are prior criminal convictions, if the defendant is on probation, and if the defendant is a flight risk.
Will You Get Your Bail Money Back in Texas?
If the defendant fulfills all obligations and shows up for their trial, yes, they will get their money back. If the defendant does not show up, they lose their money. If the defendant took out a bail bond, the 10 percent that was paid as a premium fee is nonrefundable. If the defendant shows up to court, the bond company gets their money back. If they do not show up, the bond company loses their money, and the defendant is responsible for that loss.
Options for Reducing Your Bail Amount
Once the bail amount has been set by the court, the defendant can ask for a bail reduction. When this happens, the court will hold a bail hearing to decide if a reduction will be granted. A defense lawyer can help the defendant by arguing that they are not a flight risk. Texas residents who have jobs, families, and ties to the community are much more likely to get their bail reduced than someone who has no ties to Texas.
If you have any questions about Texas bail law, contact us at Freedom Bail Bonds today online or by calling [phone].