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Making Sense of Federal Bail Bonds

Even on a local level, bail bonds can be confusing to navigate. Most people have never had to deal with the criminal justice system in a manner that requires understanding of bail and bonds, which can lead to panic and uncertainty when bail bond services are required. That fear and confusion can be even more elevated when the charges are federal, resulting in a need for a federal bail bond instead of a state bond.

If you or someone you love is facing federal charges, the first step to secure release after an arrest is to work with an established bail bond company that understands the nuances of federal bail bonds.

What Are Federal Charges?

Federal criminal charges are brought against those who violate not only the laws of the state where the crime occurred, but also federal laws. Sometimes, the crime may strictly violate federal laws and not state laws. Often, federal charges are brought against those who cross state lines during the commission of a crime, or those who commit crimes on federal lands such as federal parks. In these cases, the United States government will be involved in the criminal prosecution, making the process more complex.

What Is the Difference Between State and Federal Charges?

The key differences between state and federal charges are where the charges originate and who will prosecute the accused. In state cases, an individual state empowers a prosecutor to bring criminal charges against the accused in state courts. The state will then follow its own bail bond requirements and procedures. Federal charges originate in federal court. A federal judge has the ability to set a bail or bond amount, just like a state judge does. Those facing charges in a federal court may be met with a higher bond amount than a state court may have charged for a similar offense.

How Does Federal Bail Bond Differ from State Bail Bonds?

One of the most noticeable differences between state bail and federal bail is that federal bail bonds are typically more expensive. Federal courts tend to assign higher amounts for release on bond than state courts. Because the bail bond system is more complex, and because there is generally a greater risk of flight during federal criminal cases, the accused can expect to pay an average fifteen percent of their overall bond amount, instead of the average ten percent in state cases. The amount of collateral is increased as well, typically to 150 percent of the bond amount.

Federal Bail Bonds Require Additional Court Hearings

The federal government takes financial transparency very seriously, and they do not allow those accused of a crime to pay their bail or bond with funds that may have been sourced via criminal behavior. To ensure that the money being used for bond has been legally obtained, federal courts typically require an additional hearing to explore and analyze the source of the funds being used for bond. This is called a Nebbia Hearing, and if the government can't verify the source of the funds as legitimate, bail will ultimately be denied.

All City Bail Bonds Can Help with Federal Bonds

Posting federal bond means the accused individual will likely not need to remain incarcerated while waiting for their trial. When you or a loved one is facing federal charges, it’s critical that you work with a reputable professional that can help you obtain release via a federal bail bond. For this reason, All City Bail Bonds should be your first call. We not only have the ability to provide bail bond services in any state where charges are pending, we can also provide federal bonds for those facing federal charges.

Questions? Concerns? Contact your neighborhood All City Bail Bonds location!