If you get arrested for a state crime such as DUI, you will post bond with the state court. If you’re arrested for a federal crime, like mail fraud, you will appear in federal court.
Bonds for federal court are Signature Bonds (unsecured bonds) usually signed by a responsible 3rd party (co-signed). A Property Bond is also used in federal court. This is a bond that is secured by property, usually in the form of real estate. It requires a recent appraisal of the property along with a current lot book report from a title company and notarized documents must be filed with the county recorder’s office.
For a federal case, you will be brought in one of two ways. Either you will be brought in on a summons which means your lawyer may have the opportunity to arrange the bail amount with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This may give you enough time to arrange for an appraisal and all of the required documentation to be arranged ahead of time to expedite your bonding.
If you are arrested for a federal crime and brought in, your bail amount will be determined by a magistrate judge. Just like in state bail hearings, the judge will look at things like current employment and ties to the community to determine whether or not you’re a flight risk. The judge will also consider the nature of the crime and whether or not you are a threat to society.
There may be conditions attached to your bond such as travel restrictions and you may have to surrender your passport. There could be mandatory drug testing or treatment, you may be required to be supervised by a third party, wear a GPS tracker and maintain or look for employment.
In federal cases, there is a pretrial interview at which a Pretrial Services Officer will interview you for background information such as details about your family, education, work, and financial situation. During the interview, the Pretrial Services Officer will not ask questions about the crime itself but you have the right to not answer if you fear you may incriminate yourself. When in doubt, ask to speak to your attorney.
The Officer uses your information to create a report for the judge to consider when setting your bail. The report also includes a recommendation of whether you should be held or released and also any recommended conditions for bail.
Your attorney can help you get the recommendation for release by furnishing letters of support from family, friends, employers, and members of your church. Your attorney can also find custodial support which is when someone you know takes responsibility for you to ensure you follow any conditions of bail including showing up for all of your scheduled court appearances.
Mercy Bail Bonds is a full-service bail bond agency that provides state, federal, and immigration bonds. Our helpful staff is prompt and professional and can get you out of jail and back to your family quickly and discreetly. We’re available 24/7 to help you when you need it most. Call the dedicated staff at Mercy Bail Bonds today at (727) 856-7775 for a free consultation.