Bail in Federal White-Collar Crime Cases

 Posted on September 24, 2024 in White Collar Crime

When you are a white-collar professional, jail can be especially uncomfortable. You likely have never experienced these types of conditions before, and the other inmates may take issue with you due to your status. You may be left feeling like a fish out of water. Fortunately, most people accused of white-collar crime are able to make bail and go home to await trial in relative comfort. Because you are dealing with the federal court system, the bail process is slightly different than it would be if you were accused of a state-level crime and held at your local city jail. It is important to speak with an experienced Dallas, TX federal white-collar crimes attorney as soon as you are given the opportunity after arrest.

Having the Resources to Flee Might Hurt You 

Courts will consider one of the main factors before setting bond conditions, which is whether you are a flight risk. The goal of having arrestees post bond is to help ensure that criminal defendants return to court to answer to their charges rather than fleeing the area. One thing the court will look at is whether you have the resources to leave the U.S. permanently while out on bond.

Most white-collar defendants have significant financial resources, even if any assets the government thinks represent the proceeds of crime have already been seized. This is especially true if you are a business leader or work in the financial sector and are earning a good salary legitimately. Many also have ties to other countries that are unlikely to extradite. For example, having a vacation home or a branch of your business in Mexico might be problematic.

Compounding this problem is the fact that your arrest may have weakened your ties to the area you live in. You may have been fired from your job, ostracized in your community, or suspended a professional license.

However, this just means that your bond might be set high enough to drastically reduce the odds that you would follow through with fleeing.

You Are Probably Not Seen as a Danger to the Community

What will help is that you are unlikely to be seen as a danger to your community. White-collar crimes are generally financial in nature, meaning that the court is probably not concerned about you causing harm to others. You would be seen as a risk if you had committed an act of violence or were introducing dangerous drugs into the community. The court may impose restrictions, like prohibiting you from working in a position that involves managing other people’s money, to reduce the risk that you would cause financial harm to others.

Contact a Dallas, TX White-Collar Crimes Attorney

Spencer & Associates can begin helping you as soon as you have been arrested. Dedicated Dallas County, TX white-collar criminal defense lawyer Arnold Spencer will work to negotiate the lowest bond with the least restrictive conditions possible. Contact us at 214-385-8500 for a complimentary consultation.