How The Texas Bail System Works
The U.S. Constitution’s 8th amendment and the Texas State Constitution states a judge is not permitted to impose an excessive bail amount on the accused. A person in jail should be granted the ability to be released in an effort to prepare for and participate in their own defense, ensuring they have a fair trial.
In the majority of cases, a court will request that you put up a bond of a specific amount. A bail schedule is listed in each county in Texas, which stipulates how much bail is necessary for the criminal act you are accused of. There are some crimes deemed so heinous that a judge has some latitude in determining whether or not a person should be granted bail. If a person is considered a flight risk, the judge can also deny bail.
It’s not uncommon for bail money to reach into the thousands of dollars – something most people do not have immediate access to. Thus, a bail bondsman can be used to pay the amount; you just pay a fee.
A bail bond agent, to ensure he gets his money back, will take the necessary steps to make sure you show up in court. If you skip out on bail, the bail bondsman’s money is forfeited, meaning he doesn’t get it back.
Bail gives the court reassurance that you will appear on the date requested to answer for your charges. Should you not appear on this date, the bail money is lost, and you further endanger your chances of being free when facing trial.