Bell County Bond Hearing Attorney
Texas authorities arrest more than 530,000 individuals annually on charges ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Every case is different, but most defendants will have one thing in common: They qualify to be released pending trial under the Texas statute on bail. In general, you could remain free until your trial date by posting the required amount of money, getting a bail bond, or working out an arrangement for personal recognizance.
However, the key to pretrial release is success at a bond hearing. The proceeding may take place at your arraignment, but it is also possible to address bail by a motion before the court. The details are complicated, yet they are crucial for ensuring you can live a relatively normal life when you await trial. The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC is dedicated to getting the best possible result, so please contact our firm to schedule a free consultation with a Bell County bond hearings attorney. Some background information is also helpful.
Things to Know About Bond Hearings in Texas
Making bail is essentially a type of insurance policy, a financial encouragement for you to show up for all required court appearances leading up to trial. The amount and type are determined at your bond hearing, and the value will vary depending on the severity of the offense. Note the following points about bond hearings:
- Texas courts have a schedule for determining bond, but there may be grounds to reduce it at your hearing. You will need to convince the court that you are not a flight risk, and the judge will assess prior convictions, restraining orders, potential safety threats, and other factors.
- The court will evaluate many of these same factors when making a decision to set bail higher than the amount listed on the schedule.
- Options for posting bail include your own cash or putting up property as security for the bond. You might also work with a bail bondsman, a company that posts the money for you. You must pay a bail premium for the service.
- When you appear for all required court appearances, your money or property will be returned. If you fail to appear, you forfeit your bond. You will lose the money or property behind it, or the bail bondsman will pursue you for the bail amount.
Representation at Bond Hearings is Critical
Pretrial release is a huge advantage in a criminal case, so retaining a Bell County bond hearings lawyer is essential. The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC will diligently seek an arrangement that protects your rights and your wallet. We can also advise you on how to stay in compliance with the bond terms, so you do not risk forfeiture and other severe consequences.
Count on a Bell County Bond Hearings Attorney to Represent You
For more information about bail and your rights under Texas law, please contact The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC in Temple, TX. You can set up a complimentary consultation with a Bell County bond hearings lawyer by calling 254-330-3214 or checking out our website.
