There once was a time that judges were thought to be all-powerful individuals that made unilateral decisions that could determine the fate of anyone accused of a crime. Although many people still believe judges and court personnel have complete freedom to determine harsh or limited sentences for individuals standing before them, that is not the case in most jurisdictions. Most states have a long list of factors that help weigh sentences and bail amounts. Here are just a few of those factors.

Criminal History

When trying to decide if the accused can contact a bail bond company Allentown PA to establish a bail release, the court will frequently consider his or her criminal history. The history can include how often the accused has been arrested, the type of crimes perpetrated, and the number of violent outbursts within social settings in the past year.

Flight Risk

Establishing flight risk can be difficult, but some people are seen as more prone to running than others. One example, someone that is facing a life sentence for a crime is thought to be more of a flight risk that someone that may spend a week in a county jail for battery.

Gainful Employment

An accused that has been employed within the county for more than a year is considered less of a bail risk than someone that has been in the area for less than six months. Consideration is often taken under counsel as to whether the accused owns a home or not, as well.

Family Ties

It has long been thought that the more personal connections a person has within the community, the less chance there is that the accused will leave the area or commit more crimes. Additionally, the stronger the community connections, the better the chance is that the person will stay in the area throughout the trial.

You may be surprised to discover that one of the strongest influences that control court proceedings is social media. When all court personnel are held accountable by a social jury, they tend to be fairer in their rulings than they otherwise may have been.