The sale, transport, or importation of an illegal substance is a severe crime in the state of Tennessee. A conviction on a drug trafficking or controlled substance charge comes along with the potential for a lengthy prison sentence. In addition to strict sentencing guidelines, the bond requirements for these types of charges are also severe. If you have a loved one who has been arrested on a drug-related charge and are thinking about assisting with the bail process, here are some key considerations to keep in mind.

Factors That Impact Bail Amounts

Judges use an algorithm-like system to determine a bail amount for each defendant. Although a number of factors are input into the equation, here are some of the more common components that a judge will keep in mind.

Quantity of Drugs in Possession

Any amount of drug possession is illegal, but the quantity of the drug in a person’s possession is an important factor. For example, the penalty for the possession of 50 grams of cocaine will be more severe than the sentence for 25 grams of cocaine. As a result, the bail amount may be higher for 50 grams than it is for 25 grams. The type of drug in possession is also of importance.

Accompanying Charges

When a defendant is facing more than just a drug trafficking or other related charge, a higher bail amount is not uncommon. The reason for this is that judges must assess each charge individually. For example, if one charge has a $10,000 bail minimum and another charge has a $20,000, both bail amounts will be factored in when determining the total bail request. The more severe the additional charges, the higher the bail.

Flight Risk Label

Whether or not the defendant is a flight risk is another crucial bail assessment factor. A defendant labeled a flight risk is one that has a history of not returning to court as required or has given the judge a reason to believe they may try to leave the area before they are convicted. Being a flight risk is often a reason for bail denial, but if rewarded, the bail amount will likely be set at a high amount. If your loved one has been arrested, swift action is essential. At All N One Bail Bonds, we are here to help. For more than 20 years, we have helped families navigate through these tough situations and would be happy to assist you. With agents available around the clock, we can partner with you to get your loved one home as quickly as possible.