Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

My roomate is in jail charged with Murder. The law says he stabbed a guy at the bar. His mom wants to bail him out, I say they should get a lawyer first. The lawyer can lower the bail so it does not cost as much. The bail guy wants 15K. do we have a chance to make it less?


Asked on 2/08/11, 5:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Keith Engelke Law Office of S. Keith Engelke

The court sets the bond. Bail bondsmen charge a percentage of the bond that the court sets. The percentage is usually ten percent. You should get quotes from different bondsmen.

If your roommate was on parole or probation when this occurred the jail may not release him even though you purchase a bond. This is because the murder charge would trigger a motion to revoke the parole or probation. A separate bond would be required for these as well and not all bondsmen would be willing or able to obtain a bond for these charges. You need to see an attorney.

He needs a lawyer no matter what. The attorney can try to reduce the bail, but there are no guarantees. If he can't afford an attorney, he is entitled to a court appointed attorney who might be able to do this as well.

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Answered on 2/09/11, 7:11 am


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