On NBC's To Catch a Predator, why are the bail amounts different for basically the same crime?

Question

For example, on this week's show, a Minister was charged with $35,000 bond, but several others were only charged $20K. This includes one predator who had 11 prior arrests and cocaine in his possession!

Answer 1

Bail amounts are determined by several factors:
- previous record
- the crime
- financial status
- any previous failure to appears
- persons residence... if out of state
- etc...

There are things that determine the flight risk...

Answer 2

There was no new episode this week.

As for prior weeks, recall that each defendant was caught on hidden camera coming up to the house. The flight risk for any of these defendants was close to zero. The risk of each defendant being a danger to themselves or to the public was very little due to the humiliation involved. One DA even committed suicide when he was about to be arrested for soliciting sex with a minor over the Internet.

Even though all states defined the crime as a felony, some states had to deputize Dateline NBC staff in order to make a valid arrest.

Also, all the defendants were presented to the judge within 24 hours of their arrest. To process the cases quickly, the judge gave each defendant a pre-set bail ($50K in Texas, lower in other states). Most defendants made bail.

Answer 3

Their bail depends on a lot of things - it's based on their risk of flight and their ties to the community. Remember, the whole idea of bail is to guarantee that you will show up for your next court appearance. That's why people charged with the same crime get different bail.

Answer 4

The reason is simply because it is at the discretion of the judge. Risk factors such as their likelihood of fleeing, whether the offender is dangerous, or if they are likely to repeat the crime. Another factor often considered is their ability to pay. A minister is likely more able to pay the bail than the coke addict.

Answer 5

Bails are lower when evidence is not strong or when there are mitigating cirscumtances presented by the accused. Thus, even when the accused had the same charges, the bails could be different among them.

Answer 6

It is because the laws vary from State to State...some states (usually the politically conservative ones) are much tougher on child predators than others.

Answer 7

It should be no bail,unless you have the exploding collar on,go near a child an your game is over.

Answer 8

It's up to the particular judge. There is no sheet in front of him listing offences and apropriate bail amonts.

Answer 9

It probably depends on the state and/or court systems.