BOND & BAIL

Tennessee criminal defense law usually requires that a “bond” be set by a judicial magistrate or judge for a suspect that is arrested. The amount of the bond is the amount of money a person must post to “bail” the person out of jail. The bond can be posted in many different ways. Traditionally, bail is posted in some form of property deposited or pledged to the court for the release of a suspect from jail, on the condition that the suspect will return for trial. If the accused does not appear for all court hearings, he or she can be brought up on additional charges including the crime of failure to appear.

In some cases the suspect can post a recognizance bond. In most criminal defense cases a property or monetary assurance will be required. The pledged collateral or other monies can be returned at the end of the trial, if all court appearances are made, no matter whether the person is found guilty of the crime. A bail bondsman or bonding company may be required if the suspect cannot post or pledge a sufficient amount of property for bond.

A bail bondsman may be used to bail a suspect out of jail and insure the full amount payment of the bond if the suspect does not appear for a future court date. This type of bond is known as a “surety bond.” If a bondsman is used, the fee for that surety bond is a premium for the insurance policy purchased from the bonding company and is not refundable.

A bond may not be offered in some criminal cases because the suspect may not to appear for trial, a prior history or likelihood to commit other criminal acts. The bond amount is set according to the seriousness of the alleged crime. Each criminal defens e case is unique because the alleged crime may include both felony and misdemeanor charges.

Contact Attorney Derreck Whitson @ 423-613-0160 to discuss your criminal defense case today

Every case is different and should be handled with personal attention and aggressive representation. As a criminal defense lawyer, attorney J. Derreck Whitson will work hard to protect your rights and bring resolution to your charge or charges. With the h elp of my office staff and investigators, I am able to represent your needs with personal attention.