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At Ben Hall Law, our East Lansing criminal defense lawyers know that most people facing felony charges in Michigan may be ordered to post bail as a condition of their release.
After an arrest, the individual, known as the defendant, will appear before a judge for arraignment. Courts usually schedule the arraignment within 24 to 48 hours of the arrest. During the arraignment, the judge explains the charges. The judge will also set bail and schedule the next court hearing.
From there, there are five ways to post bail and get out of jail.
While an attorney is not required before posting bail, legal representation at arraignment can still help. An attorney can explain the charges and help you understand your rights and responsibilities after release.
One of the first ways to solidify your release from jail is through a Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond. You may qualify for a PR bond if you were arrested for a nonviolent crime and do not have a criminal record. Instead of posting bail, you sign a document promising to appear at all court hearings.
The other forms of bond in Michigan include:
With a cash bond, you or a co-signer submit the entire bail amount in cash.
This type of bond is usually used for misdemeanor charges where the bond amount is under $5,000. If you attend all scheduled court hearings, the court returns the cash at the end of the case, minus court fees and other costs.
This type of bond requires that ten percent of its value be deposited at the jail to secure release. For example, a $10,000 10% bond would require $1,000 in cash deposited at the jail.
A surety bond in Michigan guarantees that a defendant will appear in court. These typically involve a third party, like a bail bondsman or bonds agency, ensuring the defendant’s appearance. The defendant or their representative will pay a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bail amount, to the bail bondsperson.
A property bond in Michigan guarantees that a defendant will appear in court as ordered. The defendant or their representative uses real estate as collateral to secure their release from custody. The property’s value must be close to the amount required as bail.
Often, the best way to secure release from jail is to work with a skilled criminal defense lawyer in East Lansing who can ask the court to release you without bail. Our defense attorney will ask the judge to grant release on your own recognizance by explaining your obligations, including employment, community ties, criminal history, and respect for the court.
If the court does not release you on your own recognizance, you must consider other bail options. We can help you evaluate those options and guide you through the process so you can secure release as soon as possible.
Contact our criminal defense lawyer in Michigan to discuss your case with trusted professionals who believe in you and your case by calling (877)-236-4255 or contacting us online.
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