How Much is Bail For an Assault Charge?

January 19, 2024
1:33 pm

An assault charge is a serious criminal offense and may attract severe consequences, including high bail amounts. To bail someone out of jail for an assault charge, you need to understand the severity of the case and the potential bail amount so you can prepare better and make informed decisions.

Generally, bail for an assault charge can range from $1,000 to $100,000. However, the exact amount may depend on a number of factors including the severity of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the local jurisdiction.

To find out how much your bail for assault charge is book a free call with our expert bail bondsman at Connecticut Bail Bonds Group. With over 15 years of experience, we have the experience you need to help you understand your bail conditions and guide you through every step of the bail process.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll understand bail for assault charges, the factors that affect the amount, the implications of not meeting bail, and common alternatives to paying full bail.

Average Bail Amounts for Assault Charges

According to the Connecticut Penal Code, assault charges and their fines can be categorized into different degrees based on the severity of the alleged offense.

First-Degree Assault

First-degree assault is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Assault in the first degree is considered a Class B felony and is the most serious form of assault. It typically involves causing severe physical injury to another person with a dangerous weapon, intent to disfigure or destroy a body part permanently, or engaging in reckless behavior that creates a risk of death or significant physical injury. It also includes the assault of a pregnant woman resulting in the termination of pregnancy.

Second-Degree Assault

Second-degree assault is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

In Connecticut, assault in the second degree is a class D felony or, if the offense resulted in significant physical injury, a class C felony. It includes assaulting an on-duty police officer or firefighter, using a drug or substance to stupefy and injure another person, or causing physical injury as a result of reckless driving, etc.

Third-Degree Assault

Third-degree assault is punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.

Assault in the third degree is a class A misdemeanor. It involves intentionally causing physical injury to another person, recklessly causing serious physical injury with a deadly weapon, or negligently causing physical injury with a deadly weapon.

9 Factors Affecting Bail Amount for Assault Charges

The exact bail amount for assault charges depends on the severity of the assault and other factors. You should contact an experienced bail bondsman to have a more precise idea of what assault bail bonds cost in your area. Here are some of the factors.

Severity of the Assault Charge: More severe assault charges, especially those involving serious bodily injury or the use of a weapon, typically result in higher bail amounts. Felony charges generally have higher bail than misdemeanor assaults. If you have been charged with third-degree assault and you are a first-time offender you might be able to get a lower punishment.
Judicial Discretion: Judges often have wide latitude in setting bail amounts, taking into account the specifics of the case, the defendant’s background, and the arguments presented by the prosecution and defense.
Circumstances of the Case: The specific circumstances of an incident, such as the use of a weapon, the extent of injuries inflicted, and the intent of the assailant, play a crucial role in determining the exact charge and its severity.
Defendant’s Criminal History: If you have a clean criminal record, you have a higher chance of getting a lower bail. Defendants with a prior criminal record, especially for violent offenses, may face higher bail amounts.
Risk of Flight: Defendants who are more likely to flee and evade court dates usually attract higher bail. Other factors like strong community ties, employment, and family in the area can decrease this risk, potentially lowering bail.
Defendant’s Financial Resources: Sometimes, the court considers the defendant’s ability to pay to ensure that bail is not excessively punitive. However, this factor can vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Employment Status: What the defendant does for a living can affect the bail decision. Having a steady job might show that the person is tied to the community, which might mean a lower bail amount because they might be less likely to run away.
Danger to the Public: If the defendant is deemed a danger to others, particularly if the assault was random, unprovoked, or particularly violent, a higher bail amount may be set to protect the community.
State and Local Laws: Bail guidelines can vary by location, with different states or even different jurisdictions within a state having their own schedules or standards for setting bail.

Consequences of Not Meeting Bail For an Assault Charge

Especially for people with low financial capacity, meeting bail for an assault charge can be challenging. Failure to fulfill the bail requirements may attract legal consequences such as:

Continued Detention: If you can’t meet bail for an assault charge, you might remain in jail until your court date.
Impact on Defense Preparation: Being in jail can make it more difficult for the defendant to work closely with their attorney to prepare a defense.
Social Stigma and Reputation: Being unable to post bail and remaining in jail might lead to social stigma, affecting the defendant’s reputation in their community.
Effect on Case Outcome: Some studies suggest that defendants who are unable to post bail and remain in jail until trial are more likely to be convicted and receive harsher sentences compared to those who are released on bail.
Employment and Financial Impact: Extended time in jail can lead to loss of employment, which can further strain the defendant’s financial situation.
Personal and Family Consequences: Staying in jail can strain personal and family relationships, especially if the defendant has dependents or is a primary caregiver.

Real Case Illustration of Bail for an Assault Charge

Kleon faced aggravated assault charges following a bar altercation resulting in serious injuries to the alleged victim. Despite his stable employment and community ties, Kleon already had a previous similar assault charge, suggesting that he may potentially offend again.

So, his bail was set at $50,000 due to the felony charge. Since his bail was high, his assault bail bond premium was also high, and getting assault bail bonds was a bit more difficult for Kleon due to his past criminal history.

Kleon’s case shows how the severity of the incident and criminal history influenced the high bail amount for an assault charge.

Alternatives to Paying Full Bail For an Assault Charge

If you’re facing an assault charge and are unable to pay the full bail amount, there are several alternatives that might be available, depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the case. They include:

Bail Bondsmen

Bail bondsmen typically charge a non-refundable fee for their bail services, usually about 10% of the total bail amount, and then post the full bail on behalf of the defendant. In some cases, the bail bondsman may offer affordable payment plans, allowing the defendant to pay the bail over time.

If you need a reputable bail bondsman in Hartford CT or other parts of Connecticut, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at CT Bail Bonds Group. We’re available 24/7 to help secure your freedom from jail in no time. Simply schedule a free call with our experienced bail bondsman today and let’s discuss your case and help you secure bail in the shortest time possible.

Property Bonds

In some jurisdictions, defendants or their family members can put up property (like a home) as collateral for bail. The court places a lien on the property for the bail amount. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the property can be seized or foreclosed.

Release on Own Recognizance (ROR)

For lesser assault charges, the court may release defendants on their own recognizance. This means they are released without having to pay bail but must agree in writing to appear in court for all future proceedings.

Pretrial Release Programs

Some jurisdictions have pretrial release programs where defendants are released under certain conditions, such as regular check-ins with a pretrial services officer, electronic monitoring, curfews, or substance abuse treatment programs.

In Need of an Assault Bail Bondsman?

If you or your loved one is charged with an assault case, it’s best to consult a criminal defense attorney, seek legal counsel, and engage an experienced bail bondsman. These professionals will help guide you throughout the process and make sure you stay compliant.

At Connecticut Bail Bonds Group, we understand the stress and difficulties that come with needing to post bail quickly, that’s why we do everything we can to make the process as fast as possible.