Let Our Virginia Criminal Defense Attorneys Assist You in Getting Bail Reduced So You're Free While Your Case Is Resolved
Being stuck in jail unable to work or see your family can make being charged with a crime even more stressful than it already is. Fortunately, with professional help, there’s a possibility to have your bail lowered to an amount you can afford. Our experienced Manassas criminal defense lawyers at The Wilson Law Firm will work on your behalf to reduce bail so you can be home living your life while we prepare your defense and protect your rights.
The Definition of Bail in Virginia 
Bail is an amount of money set by the court that you must pay to be released from jail while your criminal case is being resolved. The purpose of bail is to ensure that you return to court for your trial and other court appearances.
Under Virginia Code § 19.2-120, there’s a presumption that a defendant shall be granted bail.
The judge should set an amount in your case unless there’s probable cause to believe one of the following is true:
- You would unlikely appear for trial or other court hearings if you were released.
- Your release would constitute an unreasonable danger to yourself, your family or household members, or the public.
How The Wilson Law Firm Can Help Get Your Bail Lowered
Unless the judge releases you on a personal recognizance bond—requiring you simply to promise to attend all court hearings and comply with other conditions they set—you or your family have to supply funding for bail to get you out of jail. Having a reasonable bail amount that you can afford is crucial.
Our Virginia criminal defense attorneys can assist with this at your original bail hearing or by filing a motion to reduce your bail if it's already been set before you retained our law firm. Here are ways we can help you:
- Advocate for reduced bail. We’ll present strong, factual arguments and evidence to show that a lower bail is appropriate in your case and that you cannot afford a higher bail amount if this is true for you.
- Show your ties to the community. Another factor the judge evaluates in setting bail is your community ties. Our lawyers establish this by presenting evidence of your employment, family connections, and involvement in local activities, all of which indicate that you’re not a flight risk.
- Establish weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Another strategy our legal team can use is to highlight weaknesses in the prosecutor's case against you. By showing that the charges against you may not be as serious as they claim or that they cannot prove their case, we may convince the judge to reduce your bail.
- Present evidence you're not a community threat. Our criminal defense lawyers present evidence that when free on bail, you’ll maintain good standing. We’ll demonstrate this through written statements or testimony from employers, neighbors, community leaders, and family who can vouch for your strong character and reliability. If you don’t have a criminal record, this proof may be helpful as well.
At The Wilson Law Firm, our goal is to defend your rights to the fullest. Let us help you work toward the best possible outcome.