You have a constitutional right to reasonable bail prior to conviction.   The judge decides what is reasonable.  Your attorney can help secure your pretrial release by arranging a bail review hearing.  These are obtained through filing an attorney’s request for hearing with the court.  Often, an attorney can request an own recognizance (“OR”) release or know how to present other alternatives to cash bail including electronic monitoring.

An OR release, or reduction in bail will save money otherwise spent on a bail bondsman.  There are no bail bondsmen presently based in Fairbanks.  Bail bondsmen will typically charge a 10-15% non-refundable premium and require various forms of security, typically from the client’s family members.

Defendants on pretrial release typically fare better in the justice system—i.e., they have a better chance of being acquitted at trial, get favorable plea bargains, and they can help their attorneys prepare.

Upon release it is critical that you remain in contact with your attorney and that your attorney knows how to reach you.  Don’t miss any court appearances.  A failure to appear can result in loss of bail, being remanded into custody, and may result in additional charges being brought against you.