The law and procedure around pretrial release vary at least somewhat from state to state, but here are some of the factors defense attorneys regularly address when trying to get lower or no bail for a client:
(For more on these issues, see How Judges Set Bail and Algorithms to Set Bail.)
Suspects typically benefit from legal representation at a bail hearing. Experienced attorneys know the factors that particular judges find important when considering a request for lowered bail or O.R. release. In addition, attorneys normally discuss cases with prosecutors before the bail hearing, and sometimes can assure the judge that the charges are not as serious as they look on paper. Finally, the simple truth is that judges often take attorneys' arguments more seriously than those of self-represented defendants.
Also consider that judges can always reconsider bail, and may lower bail when they receive information—from an attorney—that they were previously unaware of. (For further information, see Can you appeal a judge's bail order?)
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