How Bail Works in North Carolina

If you or a friend or family member are ever arrested in North Carolina, you may need to post bail. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the bail system so you can be prepared with the appropriate information. Here are a few of the basic things you should know about bail law in North Carolina.

The Pretrial Process

After arrest, an officer of the court sets the bail amount. For minor offenses, defendants may be released on their own recognizance. For more serious charges, bail will be set with a bail schedule. This schedule is a range of amounts that can be charged for particular types of crime. These ranges have been predetermined by the jurisdiction in which the defendants have been accused.

After bail has been set, the defendant may choose to pay it. If they cannot pay it, they remain in jail until the trial. Another option is to enlist the aid of a bondsman or bail agent from a bonding company Yadkin NC. For a small premium, the agent posts the bail, allowing the defendant to return home.

Post Trial

Once the defendant shows up for trial and the case has been successfully adjudicated, the court discharges the bond and the bail agency is released from financial responsibility. If you posted all the bail money yourself, you can get your money back if the defendant is acquitted or charges are dropped. If the defendant is found guilty, the bail money goes to court fees.  

Failure To Appear

On the occasion when a defendant fails to appear for court, a warrant for arrest is issued. If a bondsman was used to secure bail, the agent is permitted by law to find the defendant and return him or her to custody. Otherwise, the bondsman must pay the full bail amount to the court.