Many people are surprised to find that they can get bail even if they have been charged with a federal drug offense. The law does not automatically prohibit bail for these cases. However, there are many considerations that judges take into account to determine whether or not they will grant the defendant bail. To learn more about drug crimes bail bonds and how you can determine your eligibility for release on bail, read this article.
What Is A Bail?
Bail is a mechanism that allows the defendant to be released from jail while they await their trial. The defendants can post bail themselves or seek the help of bail bonds companies. Still, regardless of who pays the bond, the court will put up an insurance policy that guarantees that their money will be lost if they do not show up at future hearings and trials.
Factors That Affect Someone’s Eligibility For Release On Bail After Being Charged With A Federal Drug Offense
If You Are A Non-Citizen – Federal law prohibits non-citizens from using cash bonds (bonds paid by personal funds). Instead, they must pay through means such as electronic monitoring devices or supervision programs like house arrest or community confinement.
If You Are A Flight Risk – This considers the defendant’s ties to the community, job status, and family responsibilities.
If You Have A History Of Crime – If you have a prior criminal record or history of not appearing in court for your cases, this will be considered.
Community Safety – The safety of the public must also be considered. This includes whether or not they are a threat to their victims.
Suppose these factors all support giving someone eligibility for release on bail. In that case, it still may depend on what judge oversees their case as each individual judge has different standards when determining who should get out from behind bars until trial. As far as federal courts go, attorneys usually do not have much influence on the decision. Still, their clients typically benefit from having a lawyer represent them at every hearing.
What Should One Expect If Charged With Federal Drug Offense?
One should expect the process to be much different if one is charged with a federal drug offense. The following things will typically happen after an arrest:
Charge – Law enforcement officials will contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who will then take over the case.
Prosecution – After seizing any evidence that may be helpful, such as drugs or weapons, it will be transferred to prosecutors working on behalf of the US Attorney’s Office.
Investigation – A grand jury hears testimony from witnesses and conducts interviews to determine whether there is enough information to charge the defendant.
Arraignment – This is when the defendant first appears before the court. They will also find out what their charges are and which judge will oversee their case.
Detention – If the defendant cannot post bail, the court will order for them to be detained until their trial or hearing.
How Fast Can One Get Released From Federal Custody?
A detained individual will be held in custody while they await trial. However, there are circumstances where individuals can get released from federal custody before their case goes to trial, depending on the severity of the crimes and how likely it is for them to flee if allowed out from behind bars.
To determine whether or not someone should be given release from jail before going through with the criminal proceedings, an attorney may request that prosecutors complete a “pre-trial services report.” This document contains detailed information about your client’s background, including drug addictions, employment status, and past instances when they failed to appear at court hearings. Once this documentation has been submitted, your lawyer must present their findings, which consider things like flight risk and danger to the public. If both of these reports align with one another, then your attorney can request that their client be released from custody until they go through with trial or a future court date.
However, if there is any indication that someone might flee, then prosecutors may elect to file what is known as “notices” against them, making it more difficult for them to get out on bond. It also tells you whether this person has ties within the community, such as family members living nearby or employment opportunities.
If, after reviewing everything submitted by attorneys and federal agents, the judge presiding over the case decides that your client is not a danger to society or likely to flee, then they may consider releasing them from custody on their recognizance, which means there are no bail conditions attached.
Should You Hire An Attorney
While it is not mandatory for someone to have an attorney in court, they will benefit from having one there representing them. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that their client’s rights are protected while also helping negotiate the best possible outcome with prosecutors on their behalf.
A federal criminal defense lawyer should be contacted as soon as you learn about your charges. This is because the sooner they begin building a strong case against whatever allegations are being brought up against you, then the better chance of winning at trial or getting favorable plea deal negotiations on your side. Hiring an attorney means that if anything that requires legal action happens during proceedings, you will be in better hands than someone sitting through hearings without their counsel by their side.
It can be difficult for an individual who has been charged with a federal drug offense to secure release from jail, but that does not mean it is impossible. An experienced criminal defense attorney may help clients get out on bond and ensure they have access to any medications they need while in custody. Visit https://connecticut-bailbonds.com/drug-crimes-bail-bond-ct/ to know more about drug crimes bail bonds.
Connecticut Bail Bonds Group
11 Asylum St Suite 512
Hartford CT 06103
(860) 420-2245
