Savannah Bond Hearing Lawyers

Get Over 40 Years of Collective Experience on Your Side

A bond hearing in Savannah is held in front of a judge to determine if bonds can be issued for specific crimes. This type of hearing is different from an arraignment because the purpose is to decide if the judge should issue a bond for the defendant’s release. Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help people obtain a bond in Georgia and start building a defense against the charges they face.

If you or a loved one has recently been arrested, Schneider Lerch, LLC can help you prepare for your bond hearing and petition to get you released from custody until your trial. With over four decades of combined experience, our Savannah bond hearing attorneys can investigate your arrest, collect all the evidence and facts, and develop an effective and personalized defense strategy to help you avoid remaining in jail during the remainder of the case. Our attorneys have handled thousands of cases and maintain a 9.5 Avvo Rating.

Do not wait to contact us online or call us today at (912) 417-5008 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Understanding Bond Hearings in Savannah

A bond hearing is typically scheduled within 72 hours of an individual’s arrest in Georgia, excluding weekends and holidays. The purpose of this hearing is to determine whether the defendant should be granted bond, and if so, what the amount will be. If the defendant is denied bond or if the bond amount is set too high, it could result in prolonged detention until the trial or further hearings are held.

The decision to grant or deny a bond is ultimately at the discretion of the judge, who considers several factors when making a determination. Having a skilled Savannah bond hearing lawyer by your side can significantly influence the outcome of your bond hearing. Legal counsel can present arguments in your favor, including highlighting mitigating factors, suggesting reasonable bond amounts, or proposing other release conditions that could convince the judge to grant the bond.

Types of Bond Available in Georgia

Essentially, a bond is a collateral that secures a promise to appear in court after being released from custody. The collateral is often in the form of money, valuable assets like a home or vehicle, or a security deposit.

Common examples of bonds include:

• Cash bond - A person--whether it’s the defendant or a loved one pays the bond upfront in cash. If the defendant appears in all court hearings, the money will be given back after the case is resolved.
• Property bond - A person’s property will be the collateral to obtain the defendant’s promise to appear in all court hearings.
• Surety bond - A bail bond company posts the bond on the defendant’s behalf, generally charging a fee of approximately 10 to 15 percent of the bond amount prior to posting the rest to the jail for the defendant’s release.
• Own recognizance - When the judge releases the defendant on their own recognizance, there is no payment required.

Failure to appear for a hearing (FTA) can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest and spend the remainder of your case in jail. Additionally, you will automatically forfeit your bond.

A skilled bond lawyer in Savannah can help explain these bond types and advocate for the most appropriate option based on the circumstances.

Factors Considered in a Bond Hearing

In Georgia, a judge evaluates several key factors when deciding whether to grant the bond and what amount to set. These factors help the court assess the defendant’s flight risk, their potential danger to the community, and the likelihood that they will comply with future court appearances.

• Nature of the Offense: The severity of the crime the defendant is accused of plays a significant role in the judge’s decision. Violent crimes, such as murder or aggravated assault, may result in a denial of bond, or a bond amount set at a higher level. Conversely, less serious charges might result in a lower bond or the possibility of a recognizance bond (release without payment).
• Criminal History: A history of prior convictions, especially violent or drug-related offenses, may raise concerns about the defendant’s potential threat to public safety. On the other hand, a clean or minimal criminal record could be a mitigating factor, suggesting the defendant is less likely to reoffend or flee.
• Flight Risk: If there is evidence that the defendant has ties to the community, such as family, employment, or property ownership, this could reduce the risk of flight. Conversely, if the defendant has a history of skipping court appearances, this could increase the bond amount or result in a denial of bond.
• Community Safety: Judges are tasked with ensuring the safety of the community. If there is a risk that the defendant poses a danger to others, such as in cases of domestic violence or violent crimes, the judge may deny bond or impose strict conditions on release, such as electronic monitoring or a curfew.

An experienced Savannah bond hearing attorney will be able to navigate these considerations and provide persuasive arguments on your behalf.

The Bond Hearing Process in Savannah

Navigating the bond hearing process can be overwhelming, especially during such a challenging time. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect during a bond hearing:

• Initial Consultation: Our experienced hearing attorneys in Savannah will meet with you to discuss your case, gather relevant details, and outline a strategy tailored to your needs.
• Preparation: We will prepare all necessary documentation and evidence to present a strong case on your behalf, ensuring that you have the best chance of securing a favorable outcome.
• The Hearing: During the bond hearing, our attorneys will advocate for you, presenting arguments that highlight your ties to the community, character references, and any mitigating circumstances that may support your release.
• Post-Hearing Support: After the hearing, we will continue to provide guidance and support, ensuring that you understand the next steps and any additional legal processes that may be required.

The Role of a Bond Attorney in Savannah

A Savannah bond hearing attorney plays a critical role in advocating for the defendant during the bond hearing process. Their experience and knowledge of Georgia’s criminal justice system can make a significant difference in the outcome. 

A bond hearing lawyer can perform the following functions:

• Prepare the Case: An attorney will gather relevant information and documentation to present the defendant in the best possible light. This might include evidence of community ties, character references, and proof of employment or education. Additionally, the lawyer will assess the strength of the evidence against the defendant and prepare arguments to counter any claims made by the prosecution.
• Negotiate Bond Terms: In many cases, bond hearings are a negotiation between the defense and the prosecution. The prosecutor may propose a high bond amount or stringent conditions for release. A skilled Savannah bond lawyer will advocate for a reasonable bond amount or seek to have less restrictive conditions placed on the defendant’s release, such as no-contact orders, drug testing, or electronic monitoring.
• Represent the Defendant in Court: During the hearing, the defense attorney will present arguments to the judge regarding why the defendant should be granted bond, including any relevant mitigating factors. They may also challenge the prosecution’s arguments, providing legal and factual reasons why the defendant is not a flight risk or danger to the community.
• Help Secure Release: The ultimate goal of the bond hearing is to secure the defendant’s release from jail. A knowledgeable bond hearing attorney will work tirelessly to achieve this goal, using their legal acumen to secure the best possible outcome for their client.

Contact Our Bond Hearing Attorneys to Protect Your Rights and Freedom Today

When your Georgia bond hearing is scheduled, we will help convince the judge that you are not a flight risk, not a threat to yourself or the public, not planning on committing additional crimes, or that you will not intimidate any possible witnesses. Remember, you are entitled to legal representation at any stage of the legal process, so do not hesitate to let our Georgia bond hearing attorneys fight for you immediately. Schneider Lerch, LLC provides accessible and responsible legal services because each case deserves a personalized representation.

For more information about your legal options, contact us online or call (912) 417-5008 today.