Legal Question in Criminal Law in Wisconsin

Bail bondsmen are not allowed to operate in WI. Instead, judges can sometimes authorize defendants to sign their own bonds if the judge believes that the person is likely to show up for their next court date, avoid committing future crimes while out of bail and has good connections to the community and a minimal prior record. Another huge factor is the seriousness of the charge. For example, first degree intentional homicide carries a possible sentence of life imprisonment with no chance for parole in WI; creating a serious temptation for the defendant to flee. Bond is therefore routinely denied for such grave charges or set at an unattainably high cash amount. Not knowing what your sister is charged with makes it impossible for me to speculate whether or not a $400 cash bond might be sufficient. However, for minor offenses and defendants with no prior record and strong community ties, it may be far more than is needed; her signature may be sufficient. Judges can even decide that no bond is required, although that is typically reserved for defendant's represented by attorneys in whom the judge has a good deal of confidence. My comments here are not intended as legal advice unless you subsequently retain me and revisit this issue with me.