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Atlanta Criminal Lawyer

Bail Bond Hearings

In the state of Georgia, all people arrested on criminal charges are entitled to a bail bond hearing to determine if bond will be set. These hearings, which usually take place within hours of an arrest, are held to assess whether or not the defendant is “too risky” for bail. If based on the crimes committed a judge feels that the defendant is too dangerous, or if he or she feels that the defendant will flee from the area to avoid prosecution, the judge may deny bond. But if the judge finds that the defendant is not a flight risk and would not be a risk to the community upon release, then he or she will set a bond amount. As soon as the defendant pays the bond amount, he or she will be released from custody and will not be required to appear in court until his or her next scheduled date.

Possible Outcomes in an Atlanta Bail Bond Hearing

In any bail bond hearing there are a number of possible results, including but not limited to:

  • Release on Own Recognizance: The defendant is released on his or her own promise to appear back in court at a later date and follow all conditions set forth by the judge. People released on their own recognizance are not required to post any type of bond, cash, or security deposit.
  • Unsecured Bond: The defendant will be released from custody on his or her written promise to appear back in court and abide by all conditions set forth by the judge. However, if the defendant fails to appear in court or does follow all conditions, he or she will be required to pay a monetary fine to the court.
  • Surety Bond: A professional bail bondsmen posts bond on behalf of the defendant. The bail bondsman is liable for ensuring the defendant appears at all of his or her scheduled court dates. Typically the defendant pays 10-12% of the bond amount to the bail bondsman, and the bail bondsman posts the rest of the bond amount. But if the defendant fails to appear in court, the bail bondsman will charge him or her for the entire bond amount.
  • Property Bond: The defendant promises to appear in court and comply by all terms set forth by the judge. The court will seize all or some of the defendant’s property if he or she fails to appear in court.
  • Cash Bond: The defendant promises to return to court and follow all guidelines set forth by the judge. The defendant is required to leave a cash bond with the court before his or her release. The money will be returned to the defendant upon resolution of the case as long as he or she appears in court when scheduled.
  • Ineligibility: The judge denies release, and as a result, the defendant must remain in police custody until his or her first court appearance. However, a defendant can appeal a judge’s decision to deny release or bail.

Contact Atlanta Bail Bond Hearing Attorney

It’s highly advisable to hire a skilled criminal attorney in Atlanta to represent you before, after, and during your bail bond hearing. Not only will an attorney increase your chance of a successful hearing, but the judge or magistrate presiding over your hearing is likely to be impressed by the fact that you are taking your situation seriously.

Atlanta criminal lawyer Judy Kim has represented countless clients at their bail bond hearings, and can help you fight for a fair and reasonable bond amount. Judy Kim can help you prepare your case before the hearing, review your best options, and discuss all of your questions or concerns. During the hearing, she will negotiate with the prosecution or arresting officer for the lowest bond amount possible. In the event that a judge has denied you bail, Judy Kim can file an appeal on your behalf.

Atlanta criminal lawyer Judy Kim is 100% committed to helping you make a great first impression so the judge is inclined to grant you a low bail amount or release you on your recognizance. To schedule a consultation with Judy Kim, please contact the office at (404) 389-2300.