Sugar Land Bond Lawyer

When a person has been arrested or charged with a crime, their first court hearing typically involves the judge setting their “bond” amount, which is the money needed to secure their release from jail. This monetary security and conditional release of a defendant are collectively known as “bail,” and, as such, bonds are sometimes referred to as “bail bonds.” The court holds the bond payment as collateral so that the defendant appears at hearings and trials related to the case. Once the defendant fulfills their bail conditions, the court will return the bond amount to the person or business (sometimes also referred to as “bail bonds”) who paid it. If the defendant or their family cannot afford the full amount, they may seek adjustments through a bond reduction hearing. 

Since 2008, the Law Office of Lindsay R. López PLLC has provided our clients with legal assistance and representation in bond reduction hearings. With offices in Sugar Land and Angleton, we provide our services to people living in the Greater Houston and Galveston Areas. 

Contact our office using our online form or call (713) 766-1371 to request a free initial consultation with our Sugar Land bond attorney.

Bail and Bond Reduction Hearings in Texas

In Texas, there is no statewide or fixed standard for how courts can set bail, so long as it does not exceed state-mandated maximums. As such, bond amounts are issued on a case-by-case basis. Practically speaking, judges set bail conditions at their own discretion and frequently order excessive bonds. 

However, reasonable bail is a federally protected right covered in the 8th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. So, if a judge sets the bond amount excessively high, you have a legal right to petition the court to reduce the price. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1, Chapter 17 specifies that a court may grant a bond reduction hearing at the prosecution’s or defense attorney’s request. 

Bond reduction hearings typically take place within 10 days after an initial arrest is made and usually require the defense and prosecution to submit written briefs prior to appearing in court, outlining their reasons why a lower or higher bond should be set. At this hearing, the defendant and their counsel present their case and provide evidence demonstrating why they should receive a bond reduction. Potential evidence includes employment documentation, income statements, and supporting material indicating they are unlikely to violate their bail conditions and will show up for future court dates. Depending on the circumstances, bond attorneys can argue for more lenient terms based on mitigating circumstances that may apply to their client’s situation. Bond may also be adjusted because of delays in the judicial process that would otherwise cause someone to serve a lengthy sentence without first being convicted. 

Bond Reduction Legal Services in Harris, Brazoria, and Fort Bend Counties

If you are facing criminal charges in the Greater Houston or Galveston Areas, we invite you to contact the Law Office of Lindsay R. López PLLC. We have offices in Sugar Land and Angleton and provide our bond reduction legal services to the residents of the surrounding communities. Attorney López is committed to protecting your rights during this difficult time by equipping you with sound legal counsel and aggressive advocacy, every step of the way until your case reaches resolution. 

Call (713) 766-1371 today to discuss the possibility of a bail reduction with our bond lawyer in Sugar Land.