Bail

ARE YOU TRYING TO GET SOMEONE RELEASED ON BAIL?

Bail is about whether the person is a risk of fleeing and whether he or she is a danger to the community.

Pennsylvania Law on Bail:

In most criminal cases (except for homicide) bail will be set by a magistrate. The amount of bail can often be lowered by taking the matter to a higher judge. This requires filing paperwork with the court, requesting an immediate hearing, and organizing documents and witnesses to convince the court that the person will return if released on bail.

Federal Rules on Bail:

If the case is in federal court, bail will be more challenging. Federal courts often require high amounts of money or property to be posted as collateral. It is also important to present the best arguments for bail at the first hearing, because there not be a chance to raise the issue again later in the case. Therefore, it is important to have counsel immediately after an arrest.