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How The U.S Bail Bond System May Change In The Future

A gavel, money, and handcuffs all sit on a table

If you read our previous blog, you’ll know that the current U.S bail bonds system is hundreds of years in the making. Ever since the 1400s (and perhaps long before that), bail bonds have been used to guarantee freedom for an individual based on the cash that they have. While we love the work that we’ve done for our community and our clients, we admit that the system is inherently flawed. Many people seem to agree, and change seems to be in the air for the bail bonds system. Here’s how the system may change in the future. 

Algorithm-based Risk Assessment

If the name sounds a bit crazy, we don’t blame you. When you hear the word algorithm, you probably associate it with a computer program or social media. But now algorithms can be used in the justice system, too. In California, the cash bail bonds system is being overhauled in favor of this new assessment, which uses various factors in your case to determine if you are likely to show up for court. This sounds good initially until you learn that judges have total discretion, so the biases against minority groups are made even worse in this system. A judge can simply claim that someone is a risk, and can hold them indefinitely. While the intent of this change is good, the implementation is very poor.

Non-Profit Support

Some non-profit groups are simply agreeing to pay bail for clients, and will work with them to make sure they go to court. This includes calling and texting clients for reminders, as well as providing transportation for those who can’t make their court date. Often, people plead guilty regardless of their actual guilt because they cannot afford bail. These non-profit organizations give individuals a chance to fight for their case, but it remains to be seen how this will expand to a national level. They have seen tremendous success though, with only 4% of people missing their court date in these types of programs. 

Best Bail Bonds in El Paso

We understand how the system can feel as though it is stacked against you. If you or a loved one is in need of assistance, Freedom Bail Bonds is there to help. Contact us today so we can get you out! 

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What Can Impede a Quick Jail Release After an Arrest?

an empty jail cell signifying quick jail releaseIt’s everyone’s worst nightmare: you are arrested and find yourself facing the prospect of spending the night in jail. There are many reasons you may get arrested, from simple misdemeanor or bench warrants to more serious crimes. After your arrest, there is a process that is followed which can arrange for you to get quick jail release: posting bail. However, there could be a number of things that can actually prevent you from either qualifying for quick jail release or from being able to post bail. At Freedom Bail Bonds, we’re here to give you a little more information on these processes.

How Do I Post Bail?

When you are initially arrested, you are read your rights, processed through the police system, and given a phone call. The best use of this phone call is to your family, your lawyer, or a close trusted friend. Depending on your crime, there are two ways you will be able to post bond:

  • For most common and minor crimes, there is a list of pre-set bail amounts. This makes the process simple, since all you have to do is find a bail bondsman, pay the amount, and get out of jail. Quick jail release is pretty standard and simple in those cases.
  • For more serious crimes, you will have to be put in front of a judge. Unfortunately, in these cases it can take some time for you to be able to see one. In fact, there are cases where the police may even decide to arrest you on a Friday, therefore impeding your ability to see a judge until the following Monday. In these cases, the term “quick jail release” should be viewed in terms of days instead of hours.

How is Bail Decided?

As we mentioned, for more common crimes, there is a set bail amount that you can usually pay and get a quick jail release. For more serious crimes, a judge will decide what a fair amount for bail is. For serious drug crimes, murder, and other violent crimes where flight is a very real possibility, the judge will be within their rights to set a high bail amount.

In What Circumstances Can Bail be Denied?

In the cases of serious crimes, the judge can decide that bail can be denied. This is usually the case if the crime in question is murder, violent assaults, and other similar crimes. In cases the accused is deemed a continuing danger to the community or an especially determined flight risk, bail is also usually denied.

There are times that bail can be denied for different reasons, usually called “red flags”. These can include:

  • The suspect is not a US citizen, therefore a serious flight risk.
  • The suspect shows no regard or respect towards the court.
  • The judge is told by a credible source that the suspect will not show up to court if released.
  • The suspect has a history of missing court dates.
  • There is a confirmed mental impairment and there is no one to supervise the suspect if released.

Contact Freedom Bail Bonds for Quick Jail Release

Whether or not you fall into the categories above, you have every right to fight for quick jail release after you are arrested. Freedom Bail Bonds provides fair and reliable bail bonds in El Paso, and can help you get out of jail quickly. Let us help you post bond- contact us today!