If a federal agency has arrested you and charged you with a crime, there is a good chance that any bond you receive will be a federal bond. Federal bonds differ from state bonds in several ways and are more complicated to post than state bonds. Here are a few things you need to know about a federal bond.
How Do Federal Bail Bonds Differ From State Bail Bonds?
One of the key differences between federal and state bail bonds is the court you will appear in front of and who will prosecute your case. In state cases, the location where the alleged crime occurs empowers a state prosecutor to bring charges against you in state court. The court will follow the state's guidelines in setting your bond requirements.
When a federal agency charges you with a federal crime, a federal prosecutor brings the charges against you, and you appear in front of a federal judge. State bail schedules or other requirements do not apply to federal judges.
Many times their decisions are made based on investigations performed by pretrial services. These investigations report the following about you back to the court.
Federal judges often set bond amounts higher than you would in state court. The higher bond amount is usually due to the complexity of your charges and the risk you pose for flight.
Federal courts often require you to pay a higher percentage of the bond amount than needed for a state bond. For example, a state bond may require you to pay 10% of your bond amount, while a federal bond may require 15%.
You can hire a bail bond company if you cannot post bond yourself. Ensure the company knows you have a federal bond.
What Are Nebbia Requirements?
Federal judges will often add a Nebbia requirement or Nebbia hold as a condition of your posting bond. This requirement means you must show that you acquired the funds you are using to post your bond legally and not through criminal activities.
The bail bond company will usually ask you for proof of legality. You can provide this proof through the following:
Once the bond company establishes legality, the company will put together a Nebbia Proffer for your attorney. Your attorney will share the information with the prosecutor before the court can hold the Nebbia hearing.
Reach out to a bail bonds company to learn more.