Bail bonds are sometimes called “appear- ance bonds,” as all bail bonds are minimally appearance bonds, but that term does not fully reflect the purpose of bail, which is to normally afford release while reasonably assuring court appearance and public safety.
Factors That Influence Bail Cost Bail of $500,000 or more is not uncommon for serious crimes such as murder, rape, or aggravated assault. It is often based on the type and severity of the charges in criminal defense, as well as the defendant's criminal history and flight risk.