Why would the judge deny a bond?

Asked by: Ms. Sadye King IV  |  Last update: February 2, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (56 votes)

A judge denies bond primarily if the defendant is a significant flight risk (unlikely to appear in court) or a danger to the public, often due to the severity of the crime (like murder, violent felonies), a history of failing to appear, or a risk of committing further offenses or interfering with witnesses. Other reasons include lacking strong community ties (job, family) or being a non-citizen with potential deportation risks.

Why would a judge deny bail?

Bail is often denied when the defendant is considered a flight risk or a danger to society. If the accused is charged with a particularly violent crime, the judge may determine this as evidence of a potential threat to the community. The accused is almost always denied bail if charged with a terrorism-related offense.

Why would someone not be eligible for a bond?

There are many factors that can make someone ineligible for bond, including being a flight risk or a danger to the community and having a criminal history or previous immigration violations.

What are the grounds for bail rejection?

Bail is denied primarily when a judge deems the defendant a significant flight risk (unlikely to return for court) or a threat to public safety, with common reasons being the severity of the alleged crime (especially violent or serious felonies), a history of failing to appear, or violations of current probation/parole, indicating a disregard for court orders or a danger to the community.
 

What does "denied bond" mean?

The decision is made at the bail hearing

Whether to set bail, deny it, or release you on your own recognizance (OR release) with no bail posted is a big step in your criminal case. A judge's denial of bail will mean you will be in jail while your case winds through the legal system.

Man Throws Deceased Child’s Ashes on Driveway — Judge Denies Bond Release

24 related questions found

Why would a bond be rejected?

Bail is denied primarily when a judge deems the defendant a significant flight risk (unlikely to return for court) or a threat to public safety, with common reasons being the severity of the alleged crime (especially violent or serious felonies), a history of failing to appear, or violations of current probation/parole, indicating a disregard for court orders or a danger to the community.
 

What is the hardest case to win in court?

The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
 

What happens after being denied bail?

In South Africa bail laws allow an accused, who is in police custody, to bring an application to be released out on bail (s 60(1)(a)). Also, the South African bail law allows every accused person denied bail to make a new bail application if there are new circumstances since his failed initial application.

Why are some defendants denied bail?

If a defendant fails to meet the release conditions, they may be denied bail. Someone may also be denied bail if the judge or magistrate determines that no security or set of conditions can guarantee public safety or the defendant's future court appearance.

Who is not entitled to bail?

[A]s a rule, all persons charged with a criminal offense have the right to bail. However, persons charged with an offense punishable by cannot avail of this right if the evidence of guilt is strong.

Why would a judge say no bond?

Understanding the reasons why bail might be denied in California is crucial. This knowledge can help you and your defense team prepare for court and address potential concerns effectively. A judge can deny bail in your criminal case if they think you are a flight risk or a threat to public safety.

How to get approved for a bond?

5 Tips for getting bond approval

  1. Get prequalified. One way to ensure that the loan you apply for will be granted is to get a prequalification. ...
  2. Check your credit record. ...
  3. Submit the correct information. ...
  4. Get the best interest rate. ...
  5. Use a home loan comparison service.

What disqualifies you from being bonded?

Fidelity Bonds that employers purchase commercially do not cover anyone who has already committed "a fraudulent or dishonest act." Ex-offenders and other job applicants with questionable backgrounds are designated by the insurance industry as being NOT BONDABLE because they are too risky to insure for job honesty.

What reasons cause charges to be dropped?

Criminal charges get dropped due to insufficient evidence (not enough to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt), constitutional violations (illegal searches, lack of probable cause), key witness issues (unavailability, unreliability), procedural errors (mishandled evidence, incorrect filing), lack of prosecutorial resources, or new evidence emerging that helps the defense. Prosecutors also use discretion to drop minor charges, especially for first-time offenders, to focus on more serious cases. 

What factors will the judge consider when issuing a bond?

Judges consider the offense, criminal history, flight risk, community danger, and availability of a surety before granting or denying a bond.

How to convince a judge to not put you in jail?

One of the most effective ways your lawyer can help keep you out of jail is by negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution. They may be able to convince the other side to reduce the charges or recommend a lesser sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.

What can you do if bail is denied?

If you're denied bail, can anything be done?

  1. If you're denied bail in California, it doesn't mean you're out of options. ...
  2. Another option your attorney may pursue is a writ of habeas corpus. ...
  3. In some counties in California, pretrial release programs may also be available.

On what grounds can bail be rejected?

Bail is denied primarily when a judge deems the defendant a significant flight risk (unlikely to return for court) or a threat to public safety, with common reasons being the severity of the alleged crime (especially violent or serious felonies), a history of failing to appear, or violations of current probation/parole, indicating a disregard for court orders or a danger to the community.
 

Why would someone be denied bail?

Bail is denied primarily when a judge deems the defendant a significant flight risk (unlikely to return for court) or a threat to public safety, with common reasons being the severity of the alleged crime (especially violent or serious felonies), a history of failing to appear, or violations of current probation/parole, indicating a disregard for court orders or a danger to the community.
 

Why do judges deny bail?

For instance, if you are accused of rape, a judge could deny bail if prosecutors present convincing evidence that there is a substantial likelihood that granting you bail would result in great bodily harm to another person.

How long can you be detained without charges?

You can generally be detained without charges for up to 48 hours, with a common limit being 72 hours (3 days) before a judge must review the arrest or charges are filed, though this varies by location and circumstances, with some jurisdictions like California having stricter 48-hour rules, and complex cases or refusal to identify potentially extending time. Police need reasonable suspicion for an initial stop and probable cause for an arrest, with a judge determining if the detention is justified. 

What is the difference between bail and bond?

Bail is the full cash amount paid to the court for release, which is refundable; a bond involves a bail bondsman, who pays the bail for a non-refundable fee (usually 10-15%), acting as a surety promise to the court for the defendant's appearance, saving the defendant from paying the full amount upfront but costing them the fee. Essentially, bail is paying the court directly for release, while a bond uses a third party (bondsman) to guarantee payment to the court in exchange for a fee, making it more accessible when the full bail is too high.
 

How to easily win a court case?

Whether you represent yourself or hire an attorney, there are things you can do to ensure a good result in your case.

  1. Find the Right Court. ...
  2. Litigate for the Right Reasons. ...
  3. Mediate Instead of Litigate. ...
  4. Communicate With Your Attorney. ...
  5. Be Willing to Negotiate. ...
  6. Follow Court Procedures. ...
  7. You'll Need a Good Lawyer.

What is the stupidest court case?

We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.

What happens to 90% of court cases?

According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, "The overwhelming majority (90 to 95 percent) of cases result in plea bargaining."