How Bail Bonds Are Determined In New Jersey
New Jersey bail bonds play a vital role in the state’s legal system. Without an effective bail bond system, people who are accused of offending the law cannot go on with their normal lives while awaiting trial .
When somebody is suspected of a criminal offense in New Jersey, a judge will usually be notified and will set an amount for bail. The amount dictated by the judge will serve as a security ensuring that if the defendant is released from jail, he will appear before the court when obligated to do so. Should the accused opts not to post bail or he does not have the money to pay for bail , a hearing will take place over the week following arrest and the amount set for bail will be reviewed. This rule applies to Somerset County bail bonds or practically any county in New Jersey. For minor misdemeanors , bail does not need to be set.
When determining Union County bail bonds or bail in general, the judge must seek guidance in the New Jersey Bail Schedule. This is a bail guideline set forth by the state. The judge must also take into consideration any suggested or mandatory bail restrictions or conditions. While it is true that the judge needs consult these guidelines, he is not mandated to follow them. Under NJ’s law, judges are given broad authority in determining the amount of the defendant’s bail.
The following factors are usually considered: Seriousness of the crime, seriousness of the punishment if convicted, likelihood of conviction, flight risk, criminal record, reputation and mental condition of defendant, defendant’s family ties in the area, the defendant’s ties with the community, financial ability, reliability of those who support the suspect’s release on bail and any other factors that reflect it is not needed to hold the defendant in custody until the hearing.
