In the state of Indiana, an individual can be held for up to 15 days before their bond amount is set. This process is done after your bail hearing, where a judge sets the bond amount that must be put up as collateral to ensure that you or your loved stay for the trial. Every state treats the bail process differently, making it essential for you to find a local bail bondsman if you are in need of Indiana. A-1 Bail Bonds is here to serve as your reliable source for bail bonds in Elkhart, delivering fast, effective results to get our clients out of jail faster and back into the safety and comfort of their homes. We understand that this time in your life is stressful, which is why our bail bonds services are as confidential as they are efficient.
Our bail bond agents are available 24/7 to help you with any needs you have. Today, we’ll continue to discuss the elusive bail amount that is set by judges across our state. If you are in need of Top Rated Local® bail bonds services, be sure to contact our experts today!
Utilizing Algorithms for Bail
Modern technology has paved the way for consistency in setting bail, and today’s practices often rely on mathematical algorithms to provide an accurate and steady system for determining bond amounts. These equations are meant to take the raw data about an individual’s case — including age, previous criminal history, and current charges — and combine them to quantify the chances that a defendant will flee before trial. Relying on technology to help us determine a formula for humanistic behaviors can be a challenge, as many professionals across the country have pointed out. Generally, the positives and drawbacks for bail algorithms consist of:
- Positives. The outcome of your case will depend largely on the judge who presides over your trial, and this human element can create serious issues for some individuals. While some judges are seen as too lenient, others may be too harsh or impose arbitrary punishments. This algorithm can help to remove the human element in this emotional field.
- Negatives. Introducing a new system can produce a number of setbacks, such as prosecutors and judges ignoring the amounts or recommendations provided by the computer. Some algorithms are also known to be lacking in comprehensivity, with some systems failing to account for drug abuse problems or employment histories.
While the new wave of data-driven decisions in criminal justice is under scrutiny, the long-term expectation is for this system to become more streamlined and consistent, improving our prison system and saving tax dollars from being wasted.
Police Charges Can Affect Your Bail Amount
One aspect of our modern system that can affect your bail amount is the procedures utilized during the police officers involved with your arrest. In most cases, officers will arrest suspects and charge them with the most serious crime that can be backed up with the facts available. While you may end up facing misdemeanor charges during trial, those felony charges that you were arrested for initially will have the final say in your bail schedule. While there is not much that defendants and their families can do to improve this situation, they can reach out to professional bail bond agents to ensure the best outcome before the trial day arrives.
Bail Types Depend on Bail Amounts
The nature of your charge and your past criminal history may determine how your bail is paid. Being released on your own recognizance, for example, requires signing a contract that involves no bail amount or security measures. Personal Recognizance bonds can be altered by Indiana in some cases to rely on family members instead of a bail bondsman for the money. This way, the family will be responsible for making sure that their loved one returns to trial. If your bail amount is very high, you may be able to place a lien on your property as collateral. This higher amount will include more requirements and will therefore be much more costly.
When you or a loved one are arrested for a crime, it’s important to take the quick steps needed to get that individual home safe and sound. A-1 Bail Bonds is proud to be your source for quality bail bonds in Elkhart and Warsaw, delivering reliable services that are accurate and discrete. Contact us now to hear more about our bail bond services!
