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Bail and Bond Proceedings

Newport RI Criminal Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

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Newport RI Bail and Bond Hearing Attorney

A person arrested for a minor offense (called an arrestee) is generally given a citation at the scene and is released immediately. The citation tells the arrestee when to appear in court. Persons arrested for more serious offenses are put in jail unless they can pay bail.

What is Bail?

An arrestee (or his/her family or friends) gives cash or property to the court to guarantee that the arrestee will appear in court. An arrestee has a right to release on bail for most offenses except murder and violent felonies. If the arrestee appears in court, the amount of bail is refunded.

What is a Bail Bond?

If an arrestee cannot pay the full amount of the bail, he/she can buy a bail bond. A bail bond is a guarantee by a third party (called a surety or bond seller) to pay the arrestee’s bail. A bond is given to the court. If the arrestee fails to show up in court, the court keeps the bond. A bail bond generally costs about 10 percent of the bail amount. So, if bail were set at $2000, the premium for the bail bond would be $200. Even if the arrestee appears in court, this $200 will not be refunded. The surety may also require an arrestee to put up collateral (valuable property) for the bond. If the arrestee fails to appear, the surety gets to keep this property.

Who Sets Bail?

It is the judge’s responsibility to set bail at the arrestee’s first appearance in court. However, most jails have bail schedules for common crimes. If the bail is paid, the arrestee will be released immediately. If the arrestee cannot afford the amount of bail set by the jail schedule, he/she can ask the judge to lower the bail.

What is Release on Personal Recognizance?

The judge can decide to release the arrestee on his own recognizance (sometimes called O.R. or R.O.R.). No bail is posted, and the arrestee simply promises to appear in court.

Are There Any Limits to the Amount of Bail?

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits excessive bail. The amount of bail should not be more than what is reasonably necessary to keep the arrestee from fleeing before trial. In practice, however, judges often set very high bail for drug, rape, or murder cases. This acts as preventative detention, and keeps the arrestee in jail until a verdict is reached.

Contact Rhode Island Bail and Bond Lawyer S.Joshua Macktaz for a free consultation.

Newport RI Bail and Bond Proceedings Attorney S. Joshua Macktaz is available to discuss your case. Call (401) 324-2992 to schedule a free consultation today.

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