Skilled San Antonio Attorney Handles Emergency Bond Hearings in Texas

Board-certified criminal defense lawyer fights against unjustified detention

There are two situations that can require an emergency bond hearing. First, if a judge has refused bail or you believe the amount is too high, you can request a hearing. Second, if you have been released on bail, the court might revoke your bail and send you back to jail. At this point, your defense attorney can request an emergency bail hearing in an attempt to address the court’s concerns and restore your liberty. In either case, you need a skilled defense attorney fighting for your rights. For more than 30 years, Kevin L. Collins, P.C. in San Antonio has helped Texans obtain reasonable bail terms, even in cases involving serious charges. Drawing on decades of criminal defense experience, attorney Kevin Collins advocates strongly for clients for fair arrangements so that they are not unjustly detained.

Types of bail arrangements available in Texas

Bail serves as assurance that the accused person will appear at all court proceedings and conduct themselves properly until the case is resolved. This assurance can take several forms:

• Cash bond — The defendant submits a certain amount to the court. Once the proceedings conclude, the money is returned to the defendant if they have abided by the court’s directions.

• Surety bond — A defendant who cannot afford the full bail amount purchases a bond from a third party, frequently referred to as a bail bondsman, who promises to be liable for the full amount if the defendant flees the jurisdiction. Traditionally, the defendant purchases the bond for a nonrefundable payment equal to 10 percent of total bail amount. 

• Property bond — Either the defendant or someone who vouches for them can post real estate, sometimes in the form of home equity, as collateral. This type of bond requires an appraisal of the subject property and generally needs to be worth 150 percent of the bail amount.

• Personal recognizance — When the defendant is not deemed to be a threat to society or a flight risk, the court can release the defendant on their promise to show up at subsequent court proceedings.

In addition to the financial arrangements, the court imposes requirements for conduct out of court. A violation of any term can result in a revocation of bail.

Grounds for a Texas court to revoke bail

There are many reasons why a court can order bail revoked, including:

• Failure to attend a court proceeding

• An arrest on a different criminal charge

• Threatening a witness

• Associating with known offenders

• Leaving a specified geographic area

• New evidence suggesting the defendant is a threat to the community or a flight risk

When the court revokes your bail, you must surrender or be re-arrested, and you can lose your right to remain at liberty during your trial.

Requesting an emergency bond hearing in Texas

Whether you are requesting a hearing on the bail itself or allegations that you violated the terms of your release, the process is basically the same. The defense attorney files a motion with the bond court to hear the matter. The court then schedules the hearing. At the hearing, the prosecutor can present testimony from alleged victims or potential witnesses. As well as other evidence. The defense attorney can then cross-examine witnesses and submit evidence supporting the defendant’s case for release. The bond court judge then rules on the issue. When your liberty is on the line, you need a capable criminal defense attorney arguing in favor of the resolution you seek.

Kevin L. Collins, P.C. in San Antonio provides trustworthy guidance and representation for clients who might benefit from pretrial diversion programs. To schedule a consultation with a Board-certified criminal law and juvenile law attorney, call +12102239480 or contact the office online.