What Factors Will Lead to Higher Bail After a Texas DWI Arrest?

 Posted on March 16, 2023 in Uncategorized

If you have been arrested for DWI in Texas, you may be wondering when you will be able to get out of jail. While you may face criminal charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, your case will not be resolved right away. However, you most likely will not be held in jail throughout your entire criminal case. Instead, you can be released after paying bail, which is an amount of money that is meant to ensure that you will return to court when required during your case.

A bail bond is often your best bet for paying the amount set by a judge. A bail bondsman can pay bail on your behalf, and you will only pay a percentage of the total amount (usually 10 percent). However, you may be unsure about where there are any issues that could lead to a higher bail amount, making it more difficult for you to pay the amount required. In general, the severity of the offense, the criminal history of the defendant, and the possibility that the defendant is a flight risk are the main factors that will be considered when setting bail. However, there are other factors that can also play a role in bail decisions.

The Severity of the Offense

One of the main factors that will be considered when setting bail is the nature of the offense. While a first-time DWI is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor, more serious charges may apply if a person has previously been arrested or convicted of DWI, if they had a high level of alcohol or drugs in their system, if there was a child passenger in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, or if they were involved in an accident that led to someone being injured or killed. In general, more serious DWI charges will result in higher amounts of bail.

The Criminal History of the Defendant

Another factor that will be considered when setting bail is a person's previous criminal record. If the defendant has a history of arrests or convictions for crimes such as assault, drug possession, or theft, this will likely lead to a higher bail amount being set. Additionally, if the defendant has failed to appear in court for previous offenses, this will also likely lead to a higher bail amount being set.

Whether the Defendant is Considered a Flight Risk

Defendants who are deemed to be a flight risk are those who are likely to flee before their trial if given the opportunity. Factors that may lead to a defendant being considered a flight risk include having few ties to the community in which they were arrested, having family or friends in other states or countries, and having a history of failing to appear for court appearances.

Other Factors That Can Play a Role

There are several other issues that may be considered during bail decisions. These include:

• The employment status of the defendant

• Whether or not alcohol or drugs were involved in any previous arrests

• Any outstanding warrants for the defendant's arrest

• Whether the defendant is a risk to the community

• Whether the defendant is currently on probation or parole for another offense

• Any special circumstances relating to the case

Contact Our Collin County Bail Bond Professionals

The amount of bail set in a Texas DWI case will depend on a number of factors, and in some cases, it may be thousands of dollars or more. If you or someone you know has been arrested for DWI in Texas, you will want to determine how to pay bail and get out of jail quickly. At Doc's Bail Bonds, we can make the process of paying bail as easy and affordable as possible, and with our experience assisting people who have been arrested in Dallas and the surrounding areas, we can help secure a speedy release. Contact our Plano bail agents today at 214-747-4110. We are available to assist with issues related to bail 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.