Run-ins with the law are no fun to deal with, but they are particularly stressful if you don’t completely understand the terminology or how it all works. If you find yourself wondering: What is an appearance bond? Check out this quick guide to help.
What Is An Appearance Bond?
The most basic definition of an appearance bond is money you pay to get out of jail under a promise that you will appear in court at your scheduled court date. If you get arrested for something, you might not be able to go to court immediately. Often times, there are at least a couple of days before your court date. By paying an appearance bond, you get to leave jail under the promise that you will come to court.
The price of the bond is based on what you have done. For example, someone who has had a small altercation or was arrested for a misdemeanor will have a much lower bond than someone who has committed a felony.
You are not always guaranteed the opportunity to pay an appearance bond. If you have done something very serious, or if you are deemed a danger to society, you may be kept in prison to avoid anything else from happening. Often, people who are accused of committing violent crimes have to stay in jail.
Usually, if you do have to stay in jail, your time served is taken out of your sentence if you are found guilty. For example: If you are sentenced to two years in prison, but you spent six months in jail since you didn’t get an appearance bond option, you’ll likely only spend an additional one-and-a-half years in prison.
If your bond amount is not determined immediately, you are entitled to a hearing to set a bond amount within 72 hours of your initial arrest. This is usually when judges determine no appearance bond option is available if necessary.
Get Help!
If you find yourself stuck in a legal pickle, you should seek professional help to insure that everything is done properly and in your best interest. TalkLocal can connect you with the professionals in your area who can help. We give you access to lawyers, bail bondsmen, and a long list of other professionals.
