Top 7 Reasons a Judge Might Deny Bail
If you are under arrest, your first instinct should be to speak to a trusted bail bondsman before paying bail so you can be released from custody. But what happens when a judge denies the freedom to post bail? This can be a stressful experience but with the right know-how, you can navigate your way through this process from start to finish. We advise & guide clients to help them secure bail and get them out of jail fast. But in some cases, a judge will deny bail and remand someone in custody. Here is what you should know about some of the most common reasons a judge might deny bail:1. Serious crimes
The seriousness of an offense is a major factor in whether the judge in your court case will grant or deny you bail. It is unlikely a judge will grant you bail if you are involved in capital crimes – these are some of the most serious crimes someone could be accused of and include:- Pre-meditated murder,
- Terrorism,
- Treason.
2. Repeat offenses
Clients who may have committed previous offenses, on probation or parole, could find the judge involved in their legal process denying them bail. Someone who has agreed to the terms of their probation or parole and then uses their freedom to commit other offenses would be in violation of that agreement - as they will be seen as unreliable.3. Failing to appear in court
Granting bail is built on trust and on the assurance that anyone granted bail will appear at their next scheduled court appearance. So, anyone with a history of failing to appear in court will not be trusted by a judge to be granted bail again and could be remanded in custody. Those awaiting trial need to demonstrate responsibility and this includes attending pre-trial court dates. Make sure you avoid this happening by making sure you attend all court hearings.4. Flight risk
Anyone thought to be a flight risk could face difficulties when travelling to other states or internationally. A judge could deny bail if they believe a defendant will fail to appear in court or is likely to abscond to avoid prosecution. If evidence is presented to a court which shows releasing an accused person is too risky, that person is then considered a flight risk. An individual who has a history of skipping bail will also be considered a flight risk.
In most cases, international travel is not allowed. Authorities often prevent this to reduce the chance of a defendant skipping bail. In the most serious of cases, a judge setting bail may require the defendant hand over their passport to the court to stop them from leaving the US.
5. Non-US citizen
When someone who is charged with committing a crime and is not a US citizen, they could be refused bail. Anyone residing in the US illegally could be denied bail and then held under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The accused could even be deported to their country of origin depending on the offense.6. Deemed a threat to public safety
The judge has the power to deny bail if a defendant poses a threat to the public safety of others, or to themselves. Very dangerous criminals like serial killers or terrorists are not going to be granted bail as the judge presiding over their case will deem them to be extremely likely to pose a threat to the public. This is done to also protect victims and witnesses. The California Penal Code says in setting, reducing, or denying bail, the judge or magistrate must consider:- the protection of the public,
- the seriousness of the offense charged,
- the previous criminal record of the defendant,
- and the probability of his or her appearing at trial or hearing of the case.
