Cedar City

Bail Bondsman in Cedar City, Utah

According to The Marshall Project, the average cost of bail for felonies in the United States is around $10,000, and while the amount varies depending on numerous factors, most bail amounts sit at an expensive price point.

These exorbitant charges heavily impact low to medium-income households. So, if you or a family member has been convicted and you don’t have the money to post bail, our team can help.

At Bail City Bail Bonds, we help our clients secure bail bonds when they don’t have the necessary funds. Talk to us today to learn more about how we can assist you!

How Does the Bail Bond System Work in Utah?

The bail process in Utah is similar to most states across the nation and is intertwined with the state’s criminal proceedings, so understanding how it is initiated is essential. Here’s an overview of the process of bail and bail bonds in Utah:

Arrest: The criminal process begins with an arrest, either by a law enforcement officer or through a court-issued warrant. The officer will bring the defendant to jail for booking, and they will wait for a bail hearing.
First Appearance or Arraignment: This is the defendant’s first appearance in court, where they are informed of the charges against them. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the judge may issue a sentence during this hearing. The bail hearing is often included in this.
Bail Release: During the bail hearing, the judge will determine whether to release the defendant on bail and at what amount. The defendant can pay this sum or use a bail bondsman if granted.
Detention: If the defendant cannot post bail, they will remain in jail until the trial or case is resolved. Depending on the case’s complexity, this can take weeks, months, or even years.

How Does the Court Determine Your Bail Amount?

Several factors come into play when the court determines the bail amount for an individual and understanding these factors can explain why bail amounts vary from one case to another.

Nature of Crime: The severity of the alleged crime is a significant factor influencing the bail amount. More severe offenses often result in higher bail amounts, reflecting the court’s concern about potential risks associated with the accused.
Criminal Background: A person’s criminal history can impact their bail amount. Repeat offenders may face higher bail as the court perceives them as a greater flight risk or a potential societal threat.
Flight Risk: The likelihood of a defendant skipping town before their court date is a critical consideration. Factors such as ties to the community, employment status, and previous instances of failing to appear in court can influence the court’s decision.
Risk to Society: If the court believes that releasing an individual on bail poses a threat to society, they may set a higher bail amount or even deny bail altogether. This decision aims to protect the community from potential harm.

What Is a Bail Schedule?

In Utah, many courts use a bail schedule — a predetermined list of bail amounts based on the crime committed. While the bail schedule provides a convenient reference point, it is not always set in stone. The court may adjust the bail amount based on individual circumstances.

In most cases, only minor misdemeanor cases and other frequent minor crimes in the city are included in the bail schedule. Otherwise, a thorough bail hearing is needed to determine the defendant’s eligibility for bail.

What Are the Different Ways You Can Post Bail?

Defendants and those in their party can post bail in various ways, such as:

Bail by Money:

The traditional method involves paying the full bail amount in cash or check directly to the court. While straightforward, this option may be financially burdensome for many.

Bail by Bonds:

This is where bail bondsmen like Bail City Bail Bonds come in. Instead of paying the full bail amount, individuals can secure a bond by paying a percentage to the bondsman. The bondsman then covers the entire bail amount on behalf of the defendant.

Bail by Seizable Assets:

In some cases, the court may accept valuable assets, such as real estate or vehicles, as collateral for the bail amount. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the court can seize these assets to cover the outstanding bail.

What Will Happen If You Skip Bail?

Skipping bail is a serious offense and can lead to severe consequences. When an individual fails to appear in court as required, the court issues a bench warrant for their arrest. In addition to facing the original charges, the defendant may also be charged with bail jumping, which can result in fines, additional jail time, and the forfeiture of any bail paid.

Should You Hire a Bail Bondsman?

The decision to hire a bail bondsman depends on individual circumstances. A bail bondsman provides a lifeline for those unable to afford the full bail amount upfront. While there is a non-refundable fee for their services (typically 10% of the bail amount), it can be a more viable option than paying the entire sum immediately.

Moreover, bail bondsmen are experienced legal professionals, and they know the intricacies of the local legal system. Bondsmen can help guide clients through the bail process and offer support during this challenging time.

Contact Bail City Bail Bonds in Cedar City, Utah

When legal troubles arise, having a reliable and trustworthy ally is paramount. At Bail City Bail Bonds, it’s our mission to provide our clients with the best and most convenient service possible. We have experienced and knowledgeable agents ready to assist you all the time. Contact us today or complete our online contact form to get affordable bail bonds in Cedar City, Utah.