Being arrested can be upsetting, but it can feel even worse when you cannot see your family, go to work, or enjoy your favorite activities. Fortunately, the court can release you on bail before your trial. Bail is the payment made to the court to secure release and serves as a commitment to attend court hearings. The court decides if you are eligible for bail and how much it will be during a bail hearing. You can speak for yourself or have a lawyer defend you during the hearing. Keep reading to learn how bail hearings work in Nevada.

How Nevada Bail Hearings Work

A bail hearing is a formal legal event in which the court evaluates your eligibility for bail and determines how much you need to pay. Nevada judges conduct bail hearings in their courtrooms, but sometimes, these hearings take place via video conference to avoid moving inmates to court.

Your Nevada criminal defense attorney might request a bail hearing soon after your arrest to secure your quick release. In most cases, the judges agree to hold bail hearings right after arraignments or 72-hour hearings.

This hearing may also involve requests for release on your own recognizance or a lower bail amount.

At the hearing, your bail attorney will provide evidence to prove that you are not a threat to the community and are unlikely to run away. The lawyer can introduce witnesses and various supporting evidence, including:

  • Your current job and length of employment
  • Your connections to family and the local community
  • Your criminal record or the absence of one
  • A clean slate showing no serious or violent crime charges
  • Proof that you are not on probation currently
  • Evidence of your good reputation in the community
  • Confirmation that you were not carrying weapons when arrested
  • Proof that you are not a threat to the community or the alleged victim(s)
  • Your history of showing up in court as required.

Your proof must be strong enough to persuade the judge to approve your bail or let you go without paying.

The judge will examine Nevada’s bail schedule at the hearing to determine how much you must pay.  The bail schedule sorts crimes by their seriousness and possible prison sentences. The court might raise the bail amount if:

  • You face an allegation of committing a felony on school grounds
  • You had a child commit a felony
  • You used a firearm with armor-piercing ammunition
  • You employed a deadly weapon during the crime
  • You committed the act against a vulnerable individual or someone aged 60 or older
  • You committed a hate crime or an act of terrorism in Nevada
  • The crime was related to gang activities

If the judge grants you bail, they believe you will attend court. If you fail to show up, the court may forfeit the bail and issue a new arrest warrant.

Potential Outcomes of a Bail Hearing

A bail hearing can lead to different results based on the evidence you present and the judge's decision. Here are some possible outcomes:

Own Recognizance Release

This option lets the court set you free with a written promise to appear at the specified date. The court grants this kind of release to defendants who have:

  • Deep ties in the local community
  • A record free of any criminal offenses and
  • Not seen as a risk of fleeing

Decrease in the Bail Amount

Your attorney can ask for a reduced bail amount in bail hearings. They can provide evidence that you cannot pay the current bail or claim it is excessive for the alleged crime.

Release On Bail

In this case, the court will set a specific bail amount you must pay. You can pay the total amount in cash or enlist the services of a bail bondsman.

  • The court also has the authority to deny your bail, which means you would stay in custody until it resolves your criminal case. However, your attorney could seek another bail hearing to discuss the possibility of your release.

If the court does grant you bail, you can pay the total amount in cash using a cashier’s check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa. Alternatively, you can enlist the services of a bail bonds company to facilitate your release.

While out on bail, the court might set certain rules you must follow. These rules could include:

  • Following curfew rules
  • Not reaching out to certain people, like the alleged victims
  • Avoiding alcohol and drugs.
  • Attending every court hearing
  • Obeying all laws
  • Maintaining contact with the court and your bail bondsman
  • Informing the court if your address or phone number changes
  • Staying in Nevada.

Winning Bail Hearings in Nevada

To succeed in bail hearings, your attorney in Las Vegas must persuade the judge that you pose no danger to others and will not run away to avoid facing charges.

To demonstrate that you are not a threat, your attorney will present evidence such as:

  • You have no serious criminal history or none at all.
  • You have no active warrants and are not on parole or probation.
  • The authorities have not arrested you for violent offenses.
  • No weapons were found on you.
  • You are well-regarded in your community.

To show that you will not skip town, your lawyer will argue that:

  • You have strong connections to the community, like a job and family nearby
  • You have always shown up for your court dates in the past
  • You do not have any immigration problems
  • You are ready to give up your passport and wear a GPS tracker

Your Nevada bail hearing attorney can also bring in witnesses like your boss, coworkers, family, friends, landlord, or religious leaders to speak positively about your character to support your case.

Find an Experienced Bail Bonds Company Near Me

Facing an arrest in California can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the court system provides the option for pretrial release through bail. At Express Bail Bonds, we can assist you in posting bail, especially if the total amount is beyond your means. With a ten percent deposit and collateral, we will help you secure bail and reunite with your loved ones after your hearing. Reach out to us today at 702-633-2245.