Some FAQs on Bail in Waldorf, Maryland Criminal Cases
Shortly after a person is arrested for a crime, processed by the police, and placed in lockup here in Waldorf, MD, a decision will be made about the pretrial release of the person arrested. “Pretrial release” just means getting out of jail today but returning to the court for your criminal trial when it is scheduled (maybe in 30-60 days). Most often, pretrial release involves paying bail. If you need legal help after being arrested for a crime in Maryland, call us here at the Law Office of Robert Castro at (301) 705-5137. We are available around the clock, 24/7. Here are some answers to FAQs about bail.
What is bail?
“Bail” is a general term meaning the payment of money by the person arrested in exchange for being allowed to go home until the Maryland criminal court trial. Usually, bail is an amount of money paid by cash, money order, certified check, or credit/debit card. But bail can also be a pledge of real estate, non-cash valuables, and intangible and other assets. The bail amount (if any) is set by the Court Commissioner shortly after the arrest.
How much bail will I have to pay?
It depends on the seriousness of the charges, the person’s criminal record, and on factors related to whether the accused is a risk of fleeing from Maryland to avoid having to go to trial. In very serious cases, the accused can be denied any sort of pretrial release. But, for a charge like DUI/DWI, likely, the bail set will range from $1,000 to $10,000.
What if I don’t have the money?
One option is to find a bail bond agent to help. These are companies that will pay the bail for you in exchange for a fee (typically 10% of the total bail set). So, if the bail is set at $10,000, then in exchange for $1,000, the bondsman will pay the full bail, which allows the person arrested to get out of jail. The 10% bondsman fee is non-refundable and will not be returned to the accused even if the accused returns for his or her trial.
What happens to the money?
The bail money is held by the criminal court. The money serves as a financial guarantee that the person accused will return to the court for trial.
What happens if I don’t return to court as required?
The bail money/assets will be forfeited, and a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
Do I get the money back if I return to court?
If you return to court for your criminal trial, then, yes, the bail money is returned. If a person has used the services of a bail bondsman, the money is returned to the bail bondsman. This is why bail bond agents can engage in their business. Most persons return for their trial, and as such, most of the time, the bondsmen get the full bail returned.
Who can post bail?
The person arrested can post bail, or a friend or family can pay the bail. As noted, a bail bond agent can also post bail.
Where do I post bail?
Bail is usually posted at the detention center or jail where the person is being held after arrest.
Contact Waldorf, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert Castro Today
This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer at (301) 705-5137. We are Waldorf, MD, Criminal Defense lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD, 20601.
