When you or a loved one is arrested in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the immediate concern is
getting out of jail. A judge sets a bail amount that must be paid or secured to guarantee your
release, promising your appearance at future court dates. However, this bond can often be set at
an amount that is simply too high, leaving you incarcerated before you’ve even had your day in
court.
At The Colonna Law Firm, LLC, our dedicated Lake Charles Criminal Defense Attorney,
Jacob Colonna, understands the critical importance of swift release. We are committed to
aggressively pursuing bond reductions to help you get out of jail quickly and affordably. Your
freedom before trial allows you to assist in your defense, continue working, and be with your
family.
Don’t remain in jail longer than necessary. Contact us immediately if you or a loved one
needs a bond reduction.
Understanding Bail in Louisiana
In Louisiana, bail is the financial security (money or property) posted to ensure that a criminal
defendant will appear in court for all required hearings. It’s a fundamental right in most cases,
guaranteed by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits excessive bail.
The primary goals of bail are:
- To Ensure Court Appearance: To guarantee the defendant returns for all future court
dates. - To Protect Public Safety: To assess whether releasing the defendant poses a danger to
the community or any individual.
Types of Bail in Louisiana:
Cash Bond: The full bail amount is paid directly to the court. If all court appearances are
met, the money (minus court fees) is returned.
Commercial Surety Bond (Bail Bondsman): This is the most common method for
higher bail amounts. You pay a non-refundable fee (typically 12% of the total bail
amount in Louisiana) to a bail bondsman, who then guarantees the full amount to the
court.
Secured Personal Surety Bond (Property Bond): You or a third party pledge real
property (like a house) as collateral for the bail amount. The equity in the property must
equal or exceed the bail.
Unsecured Personal Surety (Signature Bond / Release on Recognizance – ROR): The
defendant is released on their promise to appear, without any financial deposit. This is
usually reserved for minor offenses or defendants with strong community ties and no
flight risk.
Without Surety (Own Recognizance): Release purely on a promise to appear, similar to
ROR.
How Bail is Initially Set in Lake Charles
When you are arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center (or other
local jail), a judge will typically set an initial bail amount. This amount is not arbitrary; judges in
Louisiana consider specific factors outlined in Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article
316: - Seriousness of the Offense: Including whether it’s a crime of violence or involves a
controlled dangerous substance. More serious charges typically lead to higher bonds. - Weight of the Evidence: The strength of the case against the defendant.
- Previous Criminal Record: Prior convictions, especially for violent crimes or failures to
appear in court, will often result in higher bail. - Ability to Pay Bail: The defendant’s financial resources, though this is only one factor.
- Danger to Others/Community: The nature and seriousness of the threat posed by the
defendant’s release. - Voluntary Pretrial Drug Testing: Whether the defendant is participating in a drug
testing program. - Presence of Controlled Substances: Whether the defendant had a controlled substance
in their system at the time of arrest. - Current Bail on Previous Felony: If the defendant is already out on bail for another
felony. - Other Circumstances: Any other factors affecting the likelihood of the defendant’s
appearance in court (e.g., flight risk). - Type or Form of Bail: The specific type of bail being considered.
When a Bond Reduction is Needed: Filing a Motion to Reduce Bail
Often, the initial bond set by the judge is based on limited information and may be excessive,
especially for individuals with strong ties to the Lake Charles community or those whose
charges are less severe than initially perceived. If you cannot afford the set bail amount, your
attorney can file a Motion for Bond Reduction with the court.
The Bond Reduction Process: - Filing the Motion: Your attorney files a formal motion with the trial court requesting a
reduction in your bail amount. This motion typically includes your current bail, a
description of the charges, and an explanation of why you cannot afford the current bail. - Scheduling a Hearing: The court will then schedule a bond reduction hearing. While
some courts can be quick, it may take several days or a couple of weeks to get a hearing
scheduled. - The Hearing: At the hearing, your attorney will argue on your behalf, presenting
evidence and arguments to convince the judge that a lower bail amount is appropriate and
will still ensure your appearance in court and public safety. You may or may not testify at
this hearing. - Judge’s Decision: The judge will consider the arguments from both your attorney and
the prosecution, along with the factors listed in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 316, and then rule on the
motion.
Important Note: After you have already posted bail and been released, it is generally too late to
ask for a reduction of that specific bail amount. The time to seek a reduction is while you are
still incarcerated or before posting the initial high bond.
Factors an Attorney Will Argue for Bond Reduction in Lake Charles
Our Lake Charles bond reduction attorney will present a compelling case to the judge by
highlighting factors that demonstrate you are not a flight risk and do not pose a danger to the
community. These include:
Strong Community Ties: Proof of stable residence in Lake Charles or Calcasieu
Parish, long-term employment, local family members, and community involvement (e.g.,
church, volunteer work).
Employment History: Evidence of steady employment or job prospects.
Family Responsibilities: Dependents (children, elderly parents) who rely on you.
Lack of Prior Criminal Record: Or a minor record with no history of violent offenses
or failures to appear.
History of Court Appearance: Demonstrating a reliable track record of attending
previous court dates.
Nature of the Current Offense: Arguing that the specific facts of the alleged crime are
not as severe as the initial bond suggests, or that the evidence against you is weak.
Financial Hardship: Providing documentation of your inability to pay the current bond
amount without undue burden.
Mental Health/Substance Abuse Treatment: If applicable, demonstrating commitment
to addressing these issues, possibly through a treatment plan that could be an alternative
to high bond.
Voluntary Participation in Pretrial Services: Showing willingness to comply with
conditions like drug testing or GPS monitoring.
Why Choose Colonna Law Firm, LLC for Bond Reductions in Lake Charles?
Being held in jail pending trial can severely disrupt your life, jeopardizing your job, finances,
and family relationships. You need an attorney who can act quickly and effectively to secure
your release. At The Colonna Law Firm, LLC, our Lake Charles Bond Reduction Lawyer,
Jacob Colonna, provides:
Swift Action: We understand the urgency of getting you out of custody. We will file the
necessary motions and work to secure a hearing as quickly as possible.
Experienced Advocacy: We know the factors judges consider in Calcasieu Parish and
will present a compelling argument tailored to your specific circumstances.
Strategic Planning: We don’t just ask for a reduction; we present a comprehensive
picture of your ties to the community and your reliability.
Protection of Your Rights: We ensure your constitutional right to non-excessive bail is
upheld.
If you or a loved one is in jail and needs assistance with a bond reduction in Lake Charles,
LA, or Calcasieu Parish, don’t waste another moment. Every day spent in jail has significant
consequences.
Contact The Colonna Law Firm, LLC IMMEDIATELY for a free and confidential
consultation. Let us fight to secure your release and allow you to prepare for your defense from
home.