CONTACT USHOME

Bail and Bond Proceedings

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution requires that bail not be excessive. This means that bail should not be used to raise money for the government or to punish a person for being suspected of committing a crime. The purpose of bail is to give an arrested person freedom pending resolution of a case. The amount of bail must be no more than is reasonably necessary to keep someone accused of a crime from fleeing before a case is over. Pretrial release may be by way of a simple promise to appear, also known as being released on one’s own recognizance. However, for more serious misdemeanors or felonies, or where the accused has a prior record, posting cash bail may be required to secure release.

Bail is a complex issue, and there are many special rules that apply to certain types of cases. Once bail has been set, it may be posted in one of several ways:

• Bail bond
• Cash bail
• Government bonds
• Real property

If someone you care about has been arrested or has questions about a warrant, self-surrender, bail or bond conditions, please contact Attorney William Foreman today. In most cases he can arrange for an immediate release from custody, usually within 12 hours of being contacted.