Bail Amounts by Crime – How Much is Bail? Average Bail Prices

Written by our Subject Matter Experts, Updated on September 25, 2019

Our comprehensive guide shows bail amounts you may see for different crimes, both felonies and misdemeanors. Our experts go into detail to first explain how the bail amount is determined and how it can depend on many factors. We share average bail prices for common crimes such as assault, murder, drug charges, DUI / DWI, and many other crimes. Bail amounts are set by each jurisdiction resulting in variations in the exact bail bond amount set.

Bail Bonds Network’s research focuses on bail amounts set in different states, from high net worth states to lower income areas in order to capture the most comprehensive average bail amounts.

How Is Bail Amount Determined?

While many factors are taken into account when setting the bail amount, the deciding factors that play a role in determining the bail amount are:

1. Your age
2. If you have any other current charges
3. Your criminal history
4. Prior record of not appearing to court
5. Your perceived threat or danger to the victim, family, or any member of the public
6. Record of substance / drug abuse or a threat to oneself by suicide or other means

Significant differences exist in costs of bail bonds depending on the charge being a misdemeanor vs a felony – felony charges can be 5 to 10 times higher due to the potential flight risk from a possible long-term sentence. Capital crimes, such as murder with substantial evidence, may not have a bail amount set due to the significant risk of harm to others. The same applies to major felony charges where there is strong evidence that bodily harm was done.

If a person was previously convicted of a capital crime and served their time and was released, but was later arrested again, that person will typically not be allowed to post bail in most counties.

Laws are in place to protect the arrested person, especially during this vulnerable and difficult time. If the arrested individual is stuck in jail without a bail amount set, or if the bail amount is set at a price that’s above their financial means, then that individual has the right to bring their case to the overseeing judge and the Court of Appeals where they can claim improper process and a lack of fair due-process around reducing the bail amount. Each county and jurisdiction handles this process differently – some more pro-defendant vs others who are more firm in holding the position that was initially set. This is one of the main reasons why bail reform is a sensitive topic.

Average Bail Amounts for Misdemeanor Crimes

Average Bail Amounts for Felony Crimes

Who Sets The Bail Amount?

The bail amount can be set forth in the bail schedule for each county jail, or by a judge or magistrate.

1. Bail Schedule

Many counties have bail schedules that show bail prices for different crimes. These are starting points when it comes to bail amounts. If the arrested person is not a repeat offender who presents significant risk outside of the standard levels, the bail schedule will typically apply. Posting the bail amount on the bail schedule is the fastest way to be released from jail.

2. Magistrate

The magistrate is an official who is below the judge. Magistrates often handle the process of setting the initial bail amount per county guidelines. They are used more frequently if bail schedules are not publicly accessible in their jurisdiction, and they handle lighter crimes like misdemeanors but also various felonies. A meeting can be set with the magistrate to push back on the bail amount set if the bail price was set at an unreasonable amount for the defendant.

3. Judge

Bail amounts can be set by judges for more significant felonies. Judges are also involved in the bail amount if the defendant makes a claim against the initial bail amount set, especially when lawyers and an official complaint is filed. We often see this in the media when popular public figures are arrested and various court hearings are scheduled to determine if the bail amount can be adjusted, or if a ruling of “cash bail” only or even no-bail can be reduced to something more obtainable.

Unfortunately, in states where the magistrate handles the setting of bail amounts, there can be a wide range of prices set. While there are rules and guidelines for magistrates to follow, it does not guarantee that judgment and bias won’t come into play. “Stereotyping” might be too facile to describe the behavior, but it’s not out of the question for magistrates and judges to draw unfair conclusions when it comes to the bail amount set. A lawyer should be involved if the crime is significant or if the defendant feels unfairly treated in the hearings. This gray area and uncertainty around how bail will be set by a magistrate or judge leads us back to bail schedules. It’s usually a benefit to see bail schedules posted in counties. Not all counties have them but it’s the first thing to check – and if the bail amount is unattainable in the fee schedule, then a magistrate or judge can be consulted as an alternate option to lower costs.

How Can Bail Amount Be Lowered?

To reduce the bail amount set, it’s highly recommended to proactively pursue all of the below options to increase the odds of the judge lowering the bail amount.

1. Electronic Monitoring Device

Terms should be laid out by the county officials in clear writing that explains how the technology works and any limitations or inaccuracies with the geo-specific monitoring, as well as steps to take if an issue arises due to technology. The exact geo-fencing lines should be explained so the defendant clearly understands the limitations around movement to stay within allowed geo boundaries.

2. Alcohol / Drug Vehicular Locking System

If arrest resulted because of drug or alcohol use while operating a vehicle, it’s highly recommended to proactively approach the court to voluntarily install an ignition locking device to ensure the vehicle will not be operated while under influence. Costs will need to be covered by the person seeking release from jail.

3. Bond Reduction Letter

Write a letter to the judge requesting a reduction of the bail amount. Make it emotional and make sure it comes from the heart. The letter should touch on your personal relationship to the arrested person, and why you are vouching for them, and reasons why their bail amount should be reduced. Use various suggestions in this article to recommend proactive steps that the person is willing to take (and that you’re willing to supervise) to ensure a successful transition back into the real world.

4. House Arrest

Offer the court the option of house arrest, ensuring you will limit your travel and will only leave the premise under supervision and prior agreement.

5. Curfew

Returning at a set time limits risk for the court and shows goodwill from the defendant. Most crimes occur after-hours.

6. Voluntary Drug Testing / Rehab

Costs will need to be covered by the defendant. Scheduling is set by the courts randomly for drug testing. Rehab or alcohol intervention is highly recommended and further shows the proactive steps taken by the defendant. Agreeing to these terms must be done in writing. Not following through with the commitments can lead to re-arrest with increased bail set, and possibly unattainable conditions for release. It’s important to note that additional fees are possible for equipment, supervision, and drug testing.

Our Team of Subject Matter Experts