The purpose of bail is quite simple – to ensure that a defendant will appear in court. Bail is typically money or some other form of property pledged to the court in exchange for a defendant’s temporary freedom, with the understanding that the defendant is to return for trial.

It does occur at times that a judge will set bail at an amount that seems unreasonably high for the circumstances. When this happens, it is possible to appeal the judge’s decision to a higher court in a judicial proceeding called a bail review. This court has the option of keeping the same bail amount set by the lower court, reducing that amount, or even increasing the amount.

Being arrested and charged with a crime can be a terrifying experience. It is often difficult to make a decision with a clear head while under the oppressing weight of the criminal justice system, but the decision to retain a skilled attorney for assistance with the bail hearing is one that should not be overlooked. It could be the single difference between temporary freedom and time spent in jail.

It is critical that you consult a criminal defense with extensive experience in representing clients at bail hearings and who will aggressively argue on your behalf to obtain the best possible outcome.