Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Bail

BAIL

If you have been accused of committing a serious offense you may be eligible to be released from custody while you await your trial. The court has the power to decide whether or not you are entitled to bail and you do not have the absolute right to bail. However, the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States does provide that "excessive bail shall not be required�.

If you qualify for bail, the court will place a monetary value on your freedom. You may pay the ordered amount in cash, or by signing over the title to any property you have, or by using the services of a Bail Bonds company. A Bail Bonds company is like an insurance company because they require a cash premium from you (approximately 10% of the total amount of your bail). They rely on you to comply with the court�s instructions and, if you don�t, they have the authority to apprehend you, return you to jail, and keep your money.