The judge will consider various factors, including the severity of the charges, the defendant's criminal history, ties to the community, and flight risk. Based on these factors, the judge determines whether bail will be granted and, if so, the amount of bail.
Criminal History: If the person arrested has a record, especially for similar offenses, the judge might set a higher bail. If it's their first time, they could get a lower amount. Flight Risk: Judges look at whether the person is likely to skip town and avoid trial.
The Pretrial Integrity Act has changed how pretrial release works in North Carolina. If you're arrested for a serious felony, or if you already have pending charges, a judge must now set your bond. This means you might have to wait longer in custody before you can be released.