How Much is a Felony Bond?
When an individual is arrested and charged with a felony, they may be held in custody until their case is resolved. In order to secure their release from jail, a felony bond is typically set by the court. This bond is a financial agreement between the defendant, the court, and a bondsman or surety company.
What is a Felony Bond?
A felony bond is a contract that guarantees the defendant will appear in court for their scheduled hearings and trials. The bond is usually set in an amount that reflects the severity of the offense and the likelihood of the defendant’s appearance in court. The bond amount may vary depending on the state, county, and court in which the case is being heard.
Factors Affecting Felony Bond Amounts
There are several factors that may influence the amount of the felony bond, including:
- Severity of the offense: More serious felonies, such as violent crimes or drug trafficking, may result in higher bond amounts.
- The defendant’s criminal history: Defendants with a history of failing to appear in court or violating the terms of their bond may be subject to higher bond amounts.
- The defendant’s ties to the community: Defendants with strong ties to the community, such as a job, family, or property, may be eligible for lower bond amounts.
- The resources of the defendant: In some cases, the court may consider the defendant’s financial resources when setting the bond amount.
Common Felony Bond Amounts
The amount of a felony bond can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction. Here are some common felony bond amounts in the United States:
| Felony Offense | Typical Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor-level felony (e.g. drug possession) | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Mid-level felony (e.g. burglary) | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Aggravated felony (e.g. armed robbery) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Capital felony (e.g. murder) | $100,000 – $500,000 |
How to Get a Felony Bond
If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a felony, you may be eligible to post a bond to secure their release from jail. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Contact a bondsman or surety company: You can find a bondsman or surety company in your local area or online.
- Provide required information: You will need to provide identifying information, such as your name, address, and social security number.
- Pay the premium: You will need to pay a premium, which is typically 10-15% of the bond amount.
- Sign the bond agreement: You will need to sign a bond agreement, which outlines the terms of the bond.
- Wait for the bond to be posted: Once the bond is posted, you can expect the defendant to be released from jail.
Alternatives to a Felony Bond
In some cases, a felony bond may not be necessary or appropriate. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Release on recognizance (ROR): The court may release the defendant on their own recognizance, which means they do not need to pay a bond.
- Pre-trial release programs: Some courts offer pre-trial release programs, which allow defendants to be released from jail while awaiting trial in exchange for participating in programs such as drug counseling or community service.
- House arrest: In some cases, the court may order the defendant to be placed on house arrest, which means they can remain in their home while awaiting trial.
Conclusion
A felony bond is a financial agreement that guarantees a defendant will appear in court for their scheduled hearings and trials. The amount of the bond can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction and the individual circumstances of the case. By understanding the factors that affect felony bond amounts and the alternatives to a bond, you can better navigate the criminal justice system.
