The Grand Rapids Press recently released an article that discusses various ways people can be released from jail, including: release on own recognizance, surety and cash bonds. The article also covers who makes that decision and what factors are considered. Below is a snippet from the article:
Law Talk: What is the process for bonding out of jail?
By Barton Deiters | The Grand Rapids Press
It’s a good bet that whenever someone finds themselves behind bars, the first thing on their mind is “How do I get outta here?”
And unless the incarcerated has a fat savings account or a wealthy and generous relative, that answer comes in the form of a call to a bail bond agency.
This week, David Reister poses a terse, but for many, pertinent query: “Will you please explain the bail bond system, including personal recognizance?”
Bonds are usually first set at the time of arraignment when the accused appears before a district court judge or magistrate to hear the charges he or she will be facing.
Kentwood District Court Judge William Kelly is one of the people who sets bonds and he explains the art of setting a bond amount.
“The judge takes into account various factors in setting bonds, including the person’s prior record, previous record of appearances or nonappearances in court, history of substance abuse, the seriousness of the offense charged, the person’s mental condition, the person’s employment status, and facts indicating ties to the community” said Kelly, who was first elected to the Kentwood bench in 1978. “All bonds include conditions of not violating any laws, keeping the court notified of the person’s address, showing up on time for court, and not leaving the state of Michigan.”
To ensure the safety of the public and make sure of the defendant’s appearance in court, conditions such as, abstaining from alcohol and drugs, reporting to a monitor, and not contacting the victim can be imposed, Kelly said.
Click on the following link to read the rest of the story, Bail Bond Process.