Key Messages To Convey During A Bond Hearing

Posted on: 19 April 2017

After you've been arrested, one of the first steps that you'll experience in the legal process is to stand in front of a judge during a bond hearing. During this hearing, you and your attorney will essentially make your case for a low bond amount. If and when a low bond amount is granted, you can then have a family member or friend contact a bail bonds agency on your behalf and arrange your release on bond. Before the judge's gavel hits the sounding block in your favor, though, you'll need the judge to believe that you're an ideal candidate for bond. Here are some key messages to convey to this end.

This Is A One-Time Occurrence

If you haven't been in trouble with the law before now, make sure that you and your attorney focus on this fact. Judges will often grant bond to first-time offenders, provided that the crime of which you're accused isn't too serious. For example, if you've been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, you can speak to your clean driving record of several years in an attempt to show the judge that while you indeed made a mistake, it was a one-time event and your lack of a criminal history backs this up.

You've Learned Your Lesson

People standing in front of a judge during a bond hearing will also try to convey the message that they've learned their lesson. Showing remorse and a clear understanding for your wrongdoing is importing during the bond hearing. A contrite arrestee will be more likely to be granted bond — and at a reasonable amount — than someone who denies all responsibility for his or her actions. It's a good idea to give an example about learning your lesson. For example, after a DUI, you may state that this is the wake-up call you need to quit drinking, and you'll be enrolling in an alcohol treatment program promptly.

You're Not A Flight Risk

Judges will be less likely to grant bond to arrestees who are seen as a flight risk; someone who flees the state or country cannot be promptly brought to justice, which may make a judge reluctant to release him or her on bond. A couple things can show that you aren't a flight risk. For example, explain how you're the major financial provider for your family and that you wouldn't dare leave your job and forsake your income. Additionally, you could also suggest that your family members all reside within the state, so you'd have nowhere to go. Once the judge rules on your bond, your family member or friend can then work with a bail bonds agency to secure your release from custody.

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