What Does A Judge Consider In Setting A Maryland Bail?
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Criminal Defense,
A judge or commissioner is obligated to consider several factors in determining if someone should be admitted to bail, and, if so, the amount and other conditions of release. Experienced Baltimore criminal defense lawyers Attorney Eric T. Kirk knows that the judicial officer must consider:
- the nature of the alleged crime
- the strength of the case
- the potential sentence
- the accused’s relation to the community
- finances, and character.
Where there is a specific finding that the defendant will not appear, or will pose a threat to a victim or witness, or the community generally that a defendant may be denied pretrial release.
There is an additional, important, and sometimes determinative factor: has there been a history of failing to appear? If so, the chance of a low bail is remote.
