When you or a loved one is taken into police custody, securing release is the first thing you want to do. Unfortunately, Maryland’s legal system can sometimes impose high or excessive bail amounts that may be challenging to pay using cash or a bail bond service. Oftentimes, initial bail amounts are unreasonably high and don’t reflect the risk you (or your loved one) pose.
That’s where attorney Matt Kunka and Kunka Law LLC can help. From our offices in Columbia and Glen Burnie, we assist defendants throughout the bail review process. We help them access the lowest possible bail amount so they can return home. After all, staying in a police jail cell is unpleasant and prevents defendants from getting on with their lives.
Kunka Law serves multiple communities in Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Howard, Baltimore, and Frederick counties. Matt has extensive experience with the state’s bail review process and adopts a bespoke approach to every case, helping you or your loved one benefit from more favorable bail outcomes.
What Is a Bail Review?
A bail review is a chance permitted by the courts to revisit an initial bail decision. Maryland judges sometimes issue bail based on their primary case evaluation without understanding the nuances. As such, they can sometimes set bail too high. Therefore, a bail review lets you and your attorney attend a hearing and argue for a lower bail amount and more favorable overall release conditions. Sessions ensure the bail you pay reflects the risks you pose.
During bail reviews, judges examine various factors that could affect bail size. For example, they evaluate several key factors, including:
- Public safety – Are you a threat to the general public or at risk of committing another crime while on bail?
- Criminal history – Have you committed crimes in the past, and are you likely to commit them again?
- Community ties – Do you have friends, family, property, or work in the area that tie you down and make it harder to leave?
- Flight risk – Are you likely to go to another state or country to avoid trial because the allegations against you are severe?
Matt Kunka understands the rules determining bail guidelines in Maryland inside out, allowing him to advocate for the lowest-cost bail. He uses a combination of evidence and compelling arguments to enable judges to reconsider initial high estimates.
Why Choose Matt Kunka For Bail Reviews
Finding an attorney who understands bail reviews is critical for gaining more favorable outcomes. Defendants working with experienced lawyers can often leave jail sooner, for less money.
Because of this, Matt Kunka is the perfect choice to assist you with bail reviews. He has a track record of proven results, successfully reducing bail amounts for clients and enabling their release. He also has extensive Maryland legal expertise, understanding the court and legal system, including the judges and most persuasive arguments.
Furthermore, he offers compassionate support throughout this process. Matt understands how hard arrest can be, what it feels like to have your life turned upside down by the legal process, and that bail payments take an emotional toll on defendants and their families. Matt is well-known for his swift responses and desire to take immediate action. He secures review hearings rapidly and makes powerful cases on behalf of clients and their families.
Matt Makes A Difference In A Crisis
Suppose your loved one is now in jail and the initial bail amount is more than your family can afford. You don’t always know where to turn.
Here’s where Matt Kunka can help. He can review the case, explore reports, collect supporting evidence, and argue for a lower bail amount. He’s an expert in finding details that transform judges’ decision-making processes for the better, always looking for ways to get them to agree.
When successful, clients can often return home within a few hours or the next day. It’s this down-to-earth, action-oriented approach that makes Matt so sought-after.
How Matt Kunka Improves Bail Outcomes
Matt improves bail outcomes through his tireless dedication to the cause. He applies strategy in review hearings to deliver the best possible results under the circumstances. Here’s how he does it:
1. Detailed case assessment
Matt examines the case for details that indicate the judge was overzealous when setting the bail amount. Sometimes, officials set bail amounts based on limited information, so bringing more data can reduce the asking price.
2. Highlight reduced flight risk
Next, Matt explores the possibility of highlighting your reduced flight risk by emphasizing your community ties. These might include your current employment, ownership of a family home, or a clear criminal record.
3. Counter the prosecution
During this phase, Matt can challenge any prosecution claims relating to your untrustworthiness. These arguments can help sway the judge in your favor and convince them to offer a lower bail amount. For example, Matt can claim you are a low risk to society (perhaps because you don’t have a criminal record).
4. Exploring alternatives
Matt can look for alternatives to bail in some situations. For example, he may advocate for release on “own recognizance,” which involves zero bail money. He could also suggest supervised release.
Ultimately, Matt understands Maryland’s complex bail review rules and can leverage them to your advantage. He works diligently and with precision, using the law to secure better outlooks and shorter release timetables.
The Bail Review Process: What Happens?
Getting through the bail review process can be confusing for some defendants. It isn’t always clear why certain things happen.
Here’s how the bail review process works.
Step 1: Initial Hearing
The first step is the initial hearing. After arrest, commissions set bail based on the initial information they have.
Step 2: Request a review
Matt can request a review of the bail amount if it is unaffordable or denied. These sessions are opportunities to explore alternative paths and see if lower amounts are possible.
Step 3: Go to the bail review hearing
If granted, you and Matt can go to the bail review hearing. Judges usually set these 24 to 48 hours following being charged.
These are a chance for Matt to argue for better terms on your behalf. They may point to your excellent behavior or ties to the area.
Step 4: Wait for the judge’s ruling
Judges will then rule on the case. Sometimes, they reduce the bail or change the conditions based on new information. However, nothing is guaranteed. Judges may still keep the bail amount the same.
Step 5: Go home
Finally, you can go home if you are successful. A lower bail amount might be more affordable.
If you feel confused, don’t worry: Matt can guide you through every step of the process. He ensures that you receive the strongest representation and advocacy.
Why Speed Matters
If the bail amount is unaffordable, you should act quickly. The more time you wait, the longer you or your loved one will spend in custody and be unable to get on with their life.
Matt can help you by:
- Securing prompt review hearings with judges
- Presenting compelling evidence for why the bail amount should be set lower
- Working with the defendant to reduce anxiety and help them return to their life faster
Don’t wait for a bail review. Work with Kunka Law LLC today to prevent high bail amounts from becoming an issue.
Contact Kunka Law LLC For Bail Reviews
If you find yourself in a situation where the bail set by the judge is too high, contact Kunka Law. Matt–who serves Glen Burnie, Columbia, and the surrounding areas–brings the experience and careful hand required to navigate this challenging time.
Take action now and request a free consultation. Matt can guide you through various options and how he can assist you in your current bail situation.
FAQs About Bail Reviews In Maryland
Yes, you must pay the court the bail amount in full before the police will release the defendant from custody. However, you can get a bail bond company to pay in cash for a fee, provided you give them surety.
Matt can help you with alternatives to bail, including release based on recognizance (no fee). He can also argue for modified bail conditions, including monitoring.
Yes, you can request new bail reviews as evidence becomes available. For example, suppose police arrest you on assault and find a weapon at the scene with your prints on it. If it is later found to belong to someone else, the judge may consider reducing the bail amount.
Bail review hearings are usually short. However, Matt also ensures they occur quickly, usually within a few hours or a couple of days of the request.