If you’ve been charged with assault, you’ll likely have a bail hearing pretty quickly into the process. The very best chance you have at making a reasonable bail is by working with an experienced assault lawyer in East Texas. Your lawyer will know how to present your situation in a way that puts you in the best possible light, considering all the factors that judges look at when they set charges.
Factors Judges Consider in Setting Bail
Type of Assault
As you can imagine, the more minor the assault, the lower the bail is typically likely to be. If you’re facing an aggravated assault charge where there were serious injuries or you used a weapon to make a threat, you may have higher bail. A good rule of thumb is that the more serious the consequences if you’re found guilty, the more likely it is your bail will be higher.
Your Ties to the Community
The judge will also evaluate you in terms of your flight risk. If you have strong connections with the community, family who live here, and have a stable job, you’ll usually be seen as a lower flight risk. If you’ve ever tried to flee before, have no real ties to our community, or have plenty of financial resources that would make it easy for you to attempt to skip out on your trial, bail is likely to be set higher.
Your Criminal History
If someone has been convicted a number of times in the past, it’s likely they will have a higher bail amount than someone who is facing their first charge. Tied along with this is how much of a threat the judge sees someone to be to the community. If there’s any suggestion that the defendant might pose a danger to others, bail is usually going to be much higher.
Ability to Pay
Your financial situation may affect the judge’s decision, though it won’t be the most important factor. If you have a lot of money, you’ll likely be faced with higher bail simply because the courts tend to set bail at amounts that will be financially challenging for the defendant. The purpose of this is simple: it’s to encourage the defendant to show up at their trial. That will be the only way to get their money back.
The Skill of Your Assault Lawyer in East Texas
An experienced attorney knows the sorts of factors that matter most of the court and also how to present you and your case in a way that will show you are not a threat to the community, not a flight risk, and shouldn’t be burdened with an overly high bail. Your attorney may produce various types of evidence in the bail hearing, such as evidence of your character or involvement in the community, and having a good lawyer is your best bet at getting a bail amount you can manage.
To work with an experienced attorney, call Ryan Hill Attorney at Law in Longview today, and let us help you take your life back.
