If you are charged with a crime, the court may release you on bail during the trial period. Basically, bail allows you to leave jail and carry on with your life pending the outcome of your case.
However, it is important to understand that bail is not automatic. Here are instances when the judge may deny your bail application:
If you are a repeat offender or the offense is serious
Usually, the judge will review your criminal record during the bail application. If it is established that you have previously posted bail for the same crime, the judge may reconsider and possibly deny your bail application.
That being said, the bail decision will also largely depend on the crime in question. For instance, you may have a difficult time getting bail for a violent crime as compared to a petty offense like disorderly conduct on a first DUI offense.
If you are judged to be a flight risk
The court wants to make certain that you appear for trial, so you can be denied bail if the court thinks you’re too much of a flight risk.
For instance, if you have dual nationality, the prosecution might cite this while opposing your bail. If they’re persuasive, the court might turn down your bail application.
If you haven’t followed the rules in the past
Have you ever had bail before? If you have previously violated the terms of your bail or been held in contempt of the court, then your bail application may be denied.
Have you been charged with a crime or denied bail? Find out how you can safeguard your rights and interests throughout your defense.