Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts
I have a friend that recently spent three months in jail then got bailed out,during those three months he lost his job and fall behind his bills. So my question is what is the purpose of the bail system? Also, there's no point going through bail if you're presumed innocent.
Asked on 9/23/09, 9:32 pm
2 Answers from Attorneys
henry lebensbaum
Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)
bail has noting to do with presumptions; it deals with insuring the person's return to the underlying proceedings.
Answered on 9/28/09, 10:57 pm
William Harrington
Law Office of William T. Harrington
The point of bail is to assure the defendant's presense at trial. The amount of bail should be something that the defendant can afford. Its point is to provide the defendant with an incentive to show up to court. My guess is that your friend has a signficant record, with a history of prior defaults, and his facing a serious charge.
Answered on 9/29/09, 8:43 am