Posting bail in Salt Lake City requires preparation. A bail is an amount that is set by the court as an assurance that the accused will appear in court after the initial release. Every day, a significant number of individuals face legal charges, and most of them do not have the financial capacity to post bail instantly.
Factors When Posting Bail
The Bail Reform Act, which was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, clearly states that “a man, regardless of his financial status, shall not needlessly be detained, when detention serves neither the ends of justice nor the public interest.”
The Bail Reform Act assures the right of every citizen to post bail. However, the process of posting bail these days is quite daunting. Aside from the tedious process, you also need to prepare money, collateral, and a bail bondsman.
MONEY
Whether you have committed a crime or not, posting bail is costly. Based on the rules of the United States Supreme Court and the Federal Rule, community safety and court appearance are two legitimate aims for bail.
In addition, court judges must carefully calculate the amount of bail by taking into account the nature of the crime, family background of the accused, work history, substantial evidence, character, as well as the mental and financial stability of the defendant.
Based on the Standard Bail Schedule prepared by the Administrative Office of the Courts in Salt Lake City, Utah, there is a minimum amount for posting bail, which serves as a penalty for an offense. This amount may increase or decrease if the judge finds more mitigating and aggravating circumstances.
In other words, the amount you need to prepare for bail heavily depends on the seriousness of your offense. If you have substantial savings, you can pay cash for your bail. Otherwise, you will need to present collateral.
COLLATERAL
In case you do not have sufficient funds for posting bail, you can use your car, home, property, tools, jewelry, and credit card as collateral. Under the Utah Administrative Code, you are allowed, if necessary, to provide collateral in securing a bail bond.
To illustrate this more clearly, imagine that you are required to post bail, which is set by the court at $5,000. Generally, 10 percent of the entire amount must be paid immediately and it is non-refundable. After this, the remaining amount should be deducted as it will serve as collateral for your bail bondsman.
BONDSMAN
A bond agent, or commonly known as bail bondsman, is either a person or a company that can help you secure your freedom temporarily while you await trial. Essentially, the main responsibility of a bail bondsman is to make sure that you as a defendant will be able to appear in court if required. Serving as a liaison between you and the court, a bail bondsman can also assist you financially.
When your funds are inadequate, your bail bondsman can pay 10 to 15 percent of the entire bail amount. Then, you will have to provide collateral for the remaining amount to your bond agent. Posting bail is often a lengthy process. You can save time if you seek the services of a bail bondsman.
If you were charged of a crime in Salt Lake City, you may need to contact a criminal defense lawyer to act as your legal aid, especially when you expect a bail hearing.
Larry Nowak is the President of Bad Boys Bail Bonds in Salt Lake City, UT. He and his team work hard to ensure that nobody spends more time in jail than they absolutely have to. For more information on bail for all of the counties in Utah, please visit https://badboysbailbondsutah.com/legal/counties/
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