Wednesday, April 1, 2009

How do courts set bail in Ohio criminal cases?

The Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure provide guidelines for the setting of Bail in criminal cases within the State of Ohio. Criminal Rule 46 proscribes the types and amounts of bail that can be set. It further provides the conditions that can be imposed with the setting of the bail. Finally, it outlines the factors that the court should consider when making a determination as to the type of bail and the types of conditions to be imposed.
If you have been charged with a crime in Ohio, it is important to consult with an attorney about the issue of bail and issues surrounding the bail bond. Such a consultation will enable the attorney to prepare an argument on your behalf, which can be presented to the court during the bail hearing. Often, a criminal defense attorney can determine the bond recommendation prior to a bond hearing. Although the recommendation is not binding upon the court, it will be a factor that the court will consider in the setting of bail. Further, the recommendation can provide guidance to the accused so that financial arrangements can be made and a bail bondsman can be secured. It is to the advantage of the accused to have these arrangements in place prior to the bond hearing. Such arrangements can assist in facilitating the posting of a bond after the amount of the bail is set.
In a future Blog I will discuss in detail the three types of bail bonds that can be set in an Ohio court. In the meantime, if you have any questions concerning bonds, bail bonds, or bond reductions in an Ohio criminal case, please call Cleveland, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney Ron Frey for a free consultation at (440) 537-0299.