Average Bail Amount for Felony Charges

Understanding the bail amount for felony charges and the complexities of the legal system can be a daunting undertaking. Air Capital Bail Bonds is here to help individuals and their loved ones better understand the bail process, bail amounts, and what to expect after a felony arrest.

 

What is Bail?

Bail is a set sum of money that acts as insurance between the court and the person who has been accused of a crime. The court holds the bail amount to ensure that the accused persons show up for their scheduled court appearances. Bail amounts can vary widely based on the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal record, ties to the community, and perceived flight risk.

Can you get bail on a felony charge?

For felony bail, as with misdemeanor bail, the judge will review several factors to determine a bail amount. There is a predetermined baseline for felony bail for most felony charges, and a judge will work from an automatic bail schedule. For a low-grade felony charge in some counties, the predetermined bail amount starts at $1,500. This is for crimes that can include, but are not limited to:

  • Felony theft
  • Felony criminal damage to property
  • Felony possession of stolen property

A criminal defense attorney will have access to the bail schedule and will work in the best interest of their client, including petitioning for felony bail dismissal or reduction.

Average Bail Amounts for Felony Charges

Because bail is dependent on the individual case of the person(s) accused of the crime, there is no fixed “average bail amount” for felony charges. However, generalizations can be made about different categories of felonies.

 

  • Non-violent felonies, such as theft or fraud, can range from $1,500 up to $20,000. These amounts can vary based on the specifics of the individual and the case, including the value (or extent of) the crime.
  • Violent felonies, such as armed robbery or assault, range from about $20,000 to $50,000 or more, reflecting the serious nature of these crimes and the risks posed to public safety.
  • Drug-related felonies, such as possession or trafficking, can vary widely and is dependent on the extent of the crime and the drugs involved. Charges for possession can have bail amounts of up to $10,000, and trafficking charges can be up to $100,000 or more.
  • Murder Felony Bail- These cases frequently do not have a bail set and the defendant remains incarcerated until their trial. A 2nd-degree murder charge, the felony bail is around $250,000. If the defendant is charged as an accessory to First degree murder, the felony bail is $500,000. A 1st degree murder charges, if the judge does set felony bail, it can be as much as $1,000,000.
  • Manslaughter Felony Bail - There is a fine line that differentiates manslaughter from murder, thus creating different levels of manslaughter. Manslaughter is the act of killing of a person without having initial intent to do so. A voluntary manslaughter charge example is the defendant committed another felony along with the act of assault and battery. Involuntary manslaughter is when a defendant unintentional committed the crime or was committing a minor crime that escalated. The felony bail for voluntary manslaughter is $100,00 and involuntary felony bail is around $25,000.
  • Assault Felony Bail - The different levels of assault and different severity of the crime will have an impact on the felony bail. If it is determined by the judge the assault was intentional with plans to include a serious violent crime, the felony bail could be $1,000,000. Assault with a firearm felony bail is $50,000, and assault with a deadly weapon is $25,000.

Other examples of felony bail would be as follows:

  • Rape Felony Bail: $25,000 to $100,000.
  • Kidnapping Felony Bail: $25,000 up to $1,000,000.
  • Carjacking Felony Bail: up to $100,000 or more.
  • Arson Felony Bail: as high as $200,000.

What is the average bail for a felony?

As previously mentioned, the bail amount for a felony crime can be anywhere between $1,500 and as much as $50,000. A more serious felony crime can be as much as $1,000,000.

As we mentioned previously, there are many factors that can determine the bail amount the court sets for the individual, including:

 

  • Severity – more serious offenses typically result in higher bail amounts.
  • Criminal History – Those with a history of criminal behavior will likely face higher bail amounts.
  • Flight Risk – If the individual accused of the crime is perceived to be a flight risk, the bail amount can be set higher to deter them from doing so.
  • Community Ties – If the accused has strong ties to the community, the individual is less likely to flee and therefore can see lower bail amounts. Exceptions are always at play, however, depending on the factors of the specific crime in question.

 

Can you bail yourself out of jail?

The simple answer is yes, you can bail yourself out of jail if you have the money to pay for it. Once a judge has set your felony bail amount, and you advise the courts you can pay the bail, the release process begins. You will be returned to your cell during this time and await the next steps.

A judge also could deny bail and will come to that decision after reviewing different factors. Denying felony bail is more common than a non-felony bail ruling, mainly because of the reason of arrest.

 

Navigating the Process of Bail for Felonies:

Navigating the legal system and bail process can be rather complex and stressful. Having a reputable bail bonds expert who can provide guidance, make the process as smooth as possible, and help you understand the specific aspects of your case, bail amounts, and steps to secure the release of the accused individual.

Learn more about the bail process on our FAQ page.

 

If you or a loved one is facing felony charges, the team at Air Capital Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to support and inform you during this challenging time. Remember, each case is unique, and seeking the advice of a professional bail bondsman is your best course of action. Call or text us today at 316-755-5142.

If you need to leave, Call Steve!

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