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Don't Be In The Dark About Our Legal System

Hello, I'm Karla Mitchell. Going through a legal case can be very expensive and challenging. I won't go into details, but I recently underwent my own legal battle that lasted several years. It is finally over and I successfully received a settlement, but I had to spend so much time studying law in order to play my role in my own court case. While I found a great attorney at one point, I felt completely lost initially and I don't want anyone else to experience the same thing. So I decided to create this blog for those who would like to know more about law.

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Don't Be In The Dark About Our Legal System

Four Differences In Federal Bail Versus The More Familiar State Bail Process

by Andrew Martin

If you find yourself or a loved one in a federal jail, you will likely want them to be released as soon as possible, pending their court date. But what you need to understand is that the process for federal bail is different than you may have experienced or understand it to be. The following are a few of the differences between the federal process and the state process.

The bail process is longer

The first big difference is the time it takes to be released from federal custody. In a state court, you may be able to make bail and be released the next day. But due to the more involved process of bail in a federal court, it can take several days or even weeks to see the light of day.

The bail amount is set by the judge

This is much different from what you see at the state level. In television crime dramas, you will see lawyers arguing over bail amounts, and this does happen in real life. But for most crimes that are not deemed very serious, there is a schedule of bail amounts for each offense. There is seldom any negotiation, and a judge does not usually get involved in setting the amount. Federal judges, on the other hand, will usually set the amount they believe is appropriate for your charges.

There are often terms set for bail

Although this can be seen at the state level, it is more expanded upon in the federal system. The terms for bail that are set by a federal judge can seem like probation. There can be drug testing involved associated with bail, along with monitoring your movements. You also may be required to surrender your passport and be subject to domestic travel restrictions.

A federal surety bond will be needed

Once bail is determined, it is then a matter of a friend or loved one signing an Affidavit of Surety. This is basically a promissory note that an individual pays if you don't show up in court or meet the conditions of your bail. However, it is the judge that determines who is eligible to sign this surety bond. Sometimes a steady job is all that is needed, but in some cases, you will need to have collateral. When the judge asks for security, real estate or other standard assets are acceptable.

Federal bail is different than the process at the state level, and the information listed above is only a broad look. The biggest issue you will have is the paperwork that is involved in getting yourself or loved one out of jail. The bail process is long enough without additional delays. It is best to have a federal bail bond service company assist you with the paperwork, so everything is done properly and you understand the entire process.

Reach out to a federal bail bond service to learn more.

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