A criminal defense lawyer becomes a bail bond attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida when they agree to arrange for the posting of a bond for the client’s release. The fee the bonding company charges for this service then becomes part of the legal fees the client must pay to the lawyer. This can be an advantageous way for someone to regain freedom after arrest, as long as they can afford a private lawyer.
The Bail Hearing
A bail bond attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida also represents clients in court when bail will be set by a judge at a hearing instead of by a standard bail schedule. The lawyer may advocate for the client to be released on their own recognizance, in which case no bail payment is required. The lawyer also will encourage the judge to set bail relatively low if release without cash bail or a bond is unlikely. Having skilled legal representation at this hearing can be very advantageous.
Petitioning the Court
Even after a judge sets bail, a lawyer can petition the court for a lower amount and often be successful in this effort. The attorney makes the case for lower bail by noting aspects like the client’s ties to the community and a clean criminal record. Still, a bond from an organization such as 24 Hour ASAP Bail Bonds may be necessary if cash bail is still high.
Cash Bail and Bond Posting
Refundable bail serves as motivation for the defendant to attend all court hearings and not run away before the case is resolved. It can be resolved in a variety of ways, which include being found not guilty at trial, having a judge throw the case out, having the district attorney drop the charges, or accepting a plea bargain with the prosecution. The last option requires pleading guilty.
The payment for the bail bond is not refundable, however. This becomes part of the fee arrangement with the criminal defense attorney. The full cash bail does not have to be paid, but instead, a percentage of the bail set by the judge or in a standard schedule. Visit our website to learn more about one particular bonding service.
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