When someone gets arrested in Granite Bay, California, one of the first things on their mind is getting out of jail quickly and safely. Often, this means turning to a reliable bail bondsman and starting the bail process. But what happens when you or your loved one applies for bail, and then the bail cost unexpectedly goes up? It can be confusing, stressful, and leave you feeling like you're being taken advantage of. But there are valid legal and procedural reasons why a bail amount might increase after the initial application.
This blog will walk you through the most common reasons why bail costs go up, how the bail process works, and why choosing a trusted agency like Bail House Bail Bonds in Granite Bay, California, can make a huge difference.
To understand why a bail cost might increase, it's important to first understand how bail works. After an arrest, a judge determines a bail amount based on several factors:
The severity of the alleged crime
Flight risk of the accused
Criminal history
Risk to public safety
Employment and community ties
Once bail is set, the defendant or a loved one can contact a bail bondsman, like Bail House Bail Bonds, to post a bailbond on their behalf. Typically, this involves paying a non-refundable fee of around 10% of the total bail amount.
But what if you already started this process and then the bail amount changed?
There are several legitimate and legal reasons the bail amount could increase after the initial bail is set. Below are some of the most common explanations:
One of the primary reasons a bail amount might increase is that additional charges have been filed after the initial arrest. It is not uncommon for law enforcement to uncover more evidence or realize additional infractions once a suspect is in custody. For example, what starts as a charge for petty theft may later include charges for burglary or drug possession. This can increase the seriousness of the case and lead to a higher bail amount.
In California, each county has a bail schedule that outlines standard bail amounts for different charges. Sometimes, a bail amount is initially set too low due to clerical errors or oversight. Once a judge or court clerk realizes this, the amount may be adjusted to reflect the correct level.
Prosecutors may file a motion to raise bail if they believe the original amount is too low given the seriousness of the crime or perceived flight risk. If the judge agrees, the bail amount will be increased.
If the accused violated the conditions of their release (for instance, by contacting the victim, failing to check in, or attempting to flee), the judge might not only revoke bail but may also reinstate it at a much higher amount.
Sometimes new information emerges after the arrest, such as outstanding warrants, prior criminal convictions, or immigration concerns. These discoveries can dramatically impact the bail cost.
If you find yourself in this situation, the first step is don’t panic. Understand that these changes are often out of your control and are tied to the court’s responsibility to ensure public safety and proper due process.
Next, contact your bail bondsman as soon as possible. A professional agency like Bail House Bail Bonds will be able to:
Review the changes to the bail amount
Explain what led to the increase
Advise on the next steps for bailing out
In many cases, the same bailbond can be adjusted or re-issued to cover the new amount, though you may need to pay an additional premium.
When navigating a sudden increase in bail costs, who you choose as your bail bondsman makes a significant difference. Here’s why Bail House Bail Bonds stands out among other agencies:
We understand the local Granite Bay court system, law enforcement agencies, and how to work efficiently with county courts. This gives us an edge in navigating sudden changes in bail amounts.
We believe in transparency. You won’t encounter any hidden fees or surprise charges. If the bail goes up, we clearly explain why and walk you through every option.
Emergencies don’t wait for business hours. We’re available around the clock to answer your questions and get your loved one released as quickly as possible.
Dealing with an arrest and unexpected bail changes can be extremely emotional. Our team provides compassionate service and maintains strict confidentiality throughout the entire process.
We offer flexible payment solutions that work with your financial situation. Unexpected bail increases can be hard to handle, and we do our best to ease that burden.
While you can’t control every aspect of the bail process, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize surprises:
Disclose All Information: Tell your bail agent everything you know about the charges and the individual’s history.
Stay in Contact: Keep communication lines open with the bail bondsman and the person in custody.
Monitor Legal Proceedings: Attend hearings or stay updated on court activities related to the case.
Understand the Charges: If new charges are filed, ask your attorney or bail agent how this could affect bail.
If you applied for bail but the cost went up, you’re not alone. It’s an unfortunate but sometimes necessary part of the legal process, especially in places like Granite Bay, California, where the court takes public safety seriously. But having the right partner during these moments can make all the difference.
That’s where Bail House Bail Bonds comes in. With our experience, transparency, and compassion, we help families navigate these stressful situations with clarity and confidence. Whether you're dealing with a sudden increase in bail costor simply trying to understand the bail process, our team is here to help.
If you or someone you care about needs help with bailing out after an arrest, contact Bail House Bail Bonds today. We’re proud to serve Granite Bay and the surrounding areas with trusted and reliable bail services.
Call us anytime – day or night – and let us guide you through the process.