After an arrest in Pennsylvania, a criminal defendant is taken before a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) who sets the bail amount. If the defendant pays the bail amount or uses a bail bond service, he or she will be released from jail while awaiting further developments in the case.
Unsecured bail: the defendant is released after agreeing to be financially liable for a fixed amount for failing to appear in court or violating bail conditions. Nominal bail: the defendant is released after a 3rd party posts a small sum ($1.00)
Release On Monetary Condition – The defendant will be released once the monetary condition is imposed. For example, if bail is set at $1,000, the entire amount must be posted before the defendant can be released.
You may be eligible for an unsecured bond if you committed a minor crime. In addition, a court may be more inclined to offer you the option of an unsecured bond if you have no criminal history. If you accept an unsecured bond, it is in your best interest to comply with its terms.
Depending upon various factors such as the nature of the offense, prior criminal record, age, mental condition, employment status and financial condition the District Magistrate may impose “straight bail” or “percentage bail.” With “straight bail”, the defendant must post the entire bail amount in order to be released.
The court will announce whether the bail is “straight” (requiring deposit of the whole amount) or whether a deposit of some percentage (typically ten percent) will suffice. Even on a ten percent bond, if you fail to appear, you are liable for the full amount of the bond.
You need to file a motion to amend bond conditions with the court. You should at least consult with a local criminal defense attorney (if you are not already represented by someone) to discuss the issues the court will consider, and the best way to address those issues.
Bail bonds in California are valid for the life of the cases unless you miss court or get rearrested. Then, depending on the circumstances, you may need to post another bond.
You need to file a motion to amend bond conditions with the court. You should at least consult with a local criminal defense attorney (if you are not already represented by someone) to discuss the issues the court will consider, and the best way to address those issues.
Common reasons for bond revocation include: Failure to Appear in Court – One of the most straightforward reasons for bond revocation is the defendant's failure to appear for a scheduled court date. The bail bond is a promise to the court that the defendant will attend all required hearings.