How Do Bail Bonds Work in North Carolina?

How do bail bonds work in North Carolina? After being arrested and taken into custody a court date will be set. The only way you will be released before this date is to pay the court a bail bond. Typically, within 48-hours of your arrest, you will appear before a magistrate who informs you of the amount you must pay and any other conditions of your release. You should have a criminal defense attorney present at this hearing because they can often lower the amount set as bail.

How Do Bail Bonds Work in North Carolina?

There are four types of bail in North Carolina that include: unsecured, secured, cash and a written promise to appear. With bail bonds, you can have the amount of it reduced and repercussions can occur if the terms of the bail are violated.

Types Of Bail Bonds in North Carolina

There is more than one type of bail in North Carolina and some do not require you to pay any money. These are the four kinds of bail set by the magistrate:

• Unsecured: An unsecured bond does not require you to pay money for your release from jail. However, the magistrate will have set the bond and if you fail to appear for your court hearing a money judgment will be entered against you. This means that if you are arrested in the future you would have to pay this amount plus a higher bond amount to be released from jail.
• Secured: This is by far the most common type of bond. Secured bonds involves you paying the bail amount in full before being released. There are several ways in which you can pay including cash, through a bonding company, or by using collateral.
• Cash: This type of bond can only be paid by cash in full before you are released.
• Written promise to appear: This type of bond is often set in minor cases. It requires only a written promise to appear before your release.

Can I Have The Amount Of Bail Reduced?

Once your bond has been set you can file a motion to have the bond modified. A judge will hear this motion rather than a magistrate and you will want to have a criminal defense attorney file and appear at the hearing. There are two possible outcomes with this type of motion:

• The prosecutor and the judge consent to modify the bond.
• The prosecutor objects your motion and there is a hearing in front of the judge.

What Will Happen If I Violate The Terms Of Bail?

If you fail to attend a court hearing or violate any other conditions of your bail the bail could be revoked. In this case, a warrant is issued for your arrest. Once you are back in custody you will have to stay in jail until your court appearance. Alternatively, you may be asked to pay a higher bond and fulfill more strict requirements.

Summary

In conclusion, a bail bond in North Carolina, Charlotte specifically, is similar to most other states in the US. You will need to pay the amount or meet the conditions set by the magistrate in order to be released from jail before your assigned court date. If you fail to show up for court an arrest warrant will be issued and a higher bail will be set once you’re back in custody. If you disagree with the amount set as bail you can file a motion to have the bond modified. It is in your best interest to have an attorney present at all times because they can encourage a lower bail and will be able to file a motion to have the bond modified should you object for your case. Although, be sure to hire an attorney that specializes and practices in the area in which you need help.