What Can a Bond Hearing Attorney Do For You?

here has been an increase in violent crimes across the United States, with the number of crimes occurring in Savannah increasing by 8% in the past year. Being arrested for criminal activity is an unnerving experience. When you get taken to jail, the first thing you want to do is get out and go back to your loved ones.

For most criminal cases, receiving a bond and getting released is fairly straightforward. However, in more serious cases, there have to be bond hearings first before a bond is set. Unless you’ve had previous experience in the criminal justice system, you might not know what to expect.

This guide will discuss what a bond hearing is and why you need to hire a bond hearing attorney to help you navigate the process.

What’s a Bond Hearing?

A defendant is entitled to a bond hearing within 72 hours of their arrest according to Georgia state laws. Their bond is typically set during their first or initial appearance. Individuals charged with low-level felonies or misdemeanors usually receive a bond during their initial appearance.

If an individual doesn’t receive a bond at this first appearance, they or their lawyer can file a bond motion. If this motion is their first one, the motion is required to be heard within 10 days of its initial filing.

The bond hearing is a great opportunity for the lawyer to not only get their client out of jail but to learn more about the case before the defendant is arraigned. The hearing is held before a judge or magistrate. They’ll determine if the defendant can be released on bond before their court date.

During the bond hearing, your lawyer will make arguments and prevent evidence to illustrate you’re not at risk of violating any bond factors. They can do this by employing some of the following methods:

• Showing lack of previous criminal activity
• Positive impact on the community
• Calling witnesses
• Illustrating the defendant’s work history

The hearing will also determine if the defendant poses any harm to the public or is a flight risk. The judge will consider if the defendant will attempt to intimidate potential witnesses if they’re released on bond.

What Types of Bonds Are There?

A bond is a legal contract where one or more individuals agree to pay the bond of the defendant. The person who signs the bond has to pay the entire amount of the defendant doesn’t return to court. The bond is guaranteed by the assets of the individual who posted it, like cash or real estate.

There are a few different types of bonds. The most common form is an insurance company bond. It’s posted by a bail bondsman company.

The defendant pays a non-refundable premium or fee and deposits collateral to the bail bondsman company. In return, the bail bondsman will pay the courts the bond amount.

A surety bond is a bond paid by another individual, typically a family member or friend. There are three different types of surety bonds:

• Secured: The individual pays the full amount
• Partially Secured: They pay part of the full amount
• Unsecured: The individual doesn’t pay any money but promises to pay the full amount

If the defendant doesn’t appear in court, the person who pays the bond might lose all of their money or owe the courts the remaining balance.

An appearance bond is when the defendant is responsible for paying the bond amount. There are three different types of appearance bonds. They’re the same as the surety bonds we discussed above.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Bond Attorney?

Many defendants go into a bond hearing without retaining an attorney beforehand. If a judge refuses to release you before your trial, you can end up staying in jail for months. A bond attorney can argue on your behalf in addition to providing you with other benefits.

They’re Familiar With the Process

Attorneys who attend bond hearings and trials are familiar with the prosecutors and judges in your area. They’ll know what kind of information the judge wants to hear and what will paint you in a favorable light.

Your attorney’s experience with local prosecutors and judges will work in your favor. It can help you receive a favorable bail bond amount.

They’ll Protect and Fight for Your Rights

A qualified bond attorney will know how to present your criminal case in the best ways possible to argue for a decreased bond amount. They’ll also argue that no bond is necessary and that you can get released from jail on your own recognizance.

If you attempted to argue these two points on your own, you likely won’t see much success. You don’t have as much experience as a bond hearing attorney. They understand the system and know what reasonable requests to ask in reference to your case.

Avoid Encountering Additional Problems

If you try to defend yourself during your bond hearing, you might end up causing more damage to your case. You could potentially reveal information that could cause additional charges or hurt you later on down the road.

A bond hearing lawyer will know what information should and shouldn’t be shared during the bond hearing. Forming a partnership with an attorney early in the process will help you later on in the process as well.

How Do I Find a Bond Hearing Attorney?

Finding the right bond hearing attorney is essential to ensure you get the best deal possible at your hearing. You want your lawyer to have the experience and knowledge necessary to argue effectively on your behalf.

You’ll want to find a lawyer that has specific experience working with clients at bond hearings. Jarrett Maillet J.D. P.C. has worked with clients in the Savannah area and represented them at bond hearings. We’re happy to schedule a consultation with you to discuss your case.

Partner With an Experienced Lawyer for Bond Hearings

Bond hearings can be intimidating and stressful, especially if you’ve never experienced one before. You need to hire a qualified bond hearing attorney to help you navigate the process and negotiate your bail amount on your behalf.

Contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C.

210 E 31st St

Savannah, GA 31401

(912) 713-3426

https://www.mailletcriminallaw.com/