Can You Get a PR Bond for a Felony?
When someone is arrested and charged with a crime, they may be held in custody until their trial or until they post bail. In some cases, the bail amount may be too high for the individual to afford, leading to a prolonged stay in jail. This is where a PR bond, also known as a personal recognizance bond, comes in. But can you get a PR bond for a felony?
What is a PR Bond?
A PR bond is a type of bail bond that allows an individual to be released from custody without having to pay a cash deposit. Instead, the individual promises to appear in court for their trial and to comply with any conditions set by the court. PR bonds are typically used for non-violent crimes and are often granted for misdemeanors, not felonies.
Can You Get a PR Bond for a Felony?
The short answer is no, you cannot typically get a PR bond for a felony. Felonies are considered more serious crimes, and the courts are less likely to grant a PR bond for these types of offenses. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, PR bonds are not typically granted for felonies because they are considered a higher risk for flight or failure to appear in court.
Why Are PR Bonds Typically Denied for Felonies?
There are several reasons why PR bonds are typically denied for felonies:
• Risk of Flight: Felonies often carry harsher penalties, including longer sentences and fines. As a result, the courts are more concerned about the risk of the individual fleeing the jurisdiction to avoid punishment.
• Risk of Failure to Appear: Felonies often require the individual to appear in court multiple times, and the courts are more likely to deny a PR bond if they believe the individual may fail to appear in court.
• Severity of the Crime: Felonies are considered more serious crimes, and the courts are more likely to deny a PR bond if they believe the individual poses a risk to public safety.
What Are the Alternatives to a PR Bond for a Felony?
If a PR bond is denied for a felony, there are several alternatives:
• Cash Bond: A cash bond requires the individual to pay a cash deposit to secure their release from custody. The amount of the bond is typically set by the court and is refundable if the individual appears in court as required.
• Surety Bond: A surety bond is a type of bail bond that requires the individual to pay a premium to a bail bondsman, who then pays the full amount of the bond. The individual is then released from custody, but must appear in court as required.
• Release on Own Recognizance (ROR): In some cases, the court may release the individual on their own recognizance, which means they are released from custody without having to pay a bond. This is typically only granted for non-violent crimes and is often used for first-time offenders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while PR bonds are often granted for misdemeanors, they are typically denied for felonies due to the risk of flight, failure to appear, and the severity of the crime. If a PR bond is denied, there are several alternatives, including cash bonds, surety bonds, and release on own recognizance. It’s important to consult with an attorney to determine the best course of action in your specific situation.
Table: Bail Options for Felonies
| Bail Option | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Bond | Requires payment of a cash deposit to secure release from custody | Varies |
| Surety Bond | Requires payment of a premium to a bail bondsman, who then pays the full amount of the bond | Varies |
| Release on Own Recognizance (ROR) | Release from custody without having to pay a bond, typically granted for non-violent crimes | N/A |
Bullets: Key Points to Remember
• PR bonds are typically denied for felonies due to the risk of flight, failure to appear, and the severity of the crime.
• Cash bonds and surety bonds are alternatives to PR bonds for felonies.
• Release on own recognizance (ROR) may be granted for non-violent crimes, but is not typically granted for felonies.
• It’s important to consult with an attorney to determine the best course of action in your specific situation.
