Imagine if you get arrested, your hands are placed behind your back, and cuffs are attached. Then, you ride in the back of a cop car to get processed for a crime you are accused of committing. 

For most people, this would be an event that rocks their world, and potentially one that could flip their life upside down. 

Once the jail bars close on you, the first question most would wonder is when they could get out. Then, depending on the crime, they may ask if bail was an option.

Do you have similar questions yourself? If so, it helps to be informed. These are the average bail amounts by crime in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. 

How Is a Bail Amount Determined?

The cost of bail is determined by a variety of factors. The first is the severity of the crime.

Crimes are arranged by classes. The classes range from as low as Class 3 misdemeanors to as high as Class B1 felonies for possible bail bonds. The other major factor is if you are a repeat offender. Being a repeat offender vs. not being one can make all the difference in the world. 

It can take you from not needing bail at all to needing it as soon as possible, which can make the bail cost a lot more. Or, you may go from a high bail to no bail even being offered. 

Bail Amounts By Crime 

Crimes that include a possible need for bail include larceny/theft, drug charges, violent crimes, nonviolent crimes, etc. Each of these types of crimes has its own bail level depending on the severity and if you are a repeat offender. So, let's take a closer look at some of the more common crimes. 

Larceny/Theft 

Larceny is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor in North Carolina. It is the most common crime committed in the United States. It has a suggested bail from $250-1000. 

Burglary

The second most common crime committed in the US, burglary is considered a Class G or Class D felony in North Carolina. This depends on if the burglary is first or second degree. 

A second-degree burglary has a suggested bond of $25,000-40,000 while a first-degree burglary can range from $50,000-100,000. 

Aggravated Assault 

This can range to a Class A1 misdemeanor if serious bodily harm is conducted or a Class F felony if the victim was disabled. A suggested bail bond ranges from $500 to $50,000 here. 

Drug Charges

These can really vary by more than just being a repeat offender. Drug charges typically have a pretty big difference between being a buyer and possessing them vs. being a seller and potential supplier. 

Marijuana has three different levels of possession.

Less than .05 ounces is a Class 3 misdemeanor and might have a $100-250 bail. Possession from .06-1.5 ounces is a Class 1 misdemeanor and has a $250-1000 bail. More than 1.5 ounces is a Class I felony which has a $2,500-10,000 bail. 

As for selling or supplying marijuana, the penalties are a lot more severe and depend on the weight caught with. A smaller amount from 10-50 pounds is a Class H felony has a $25,000-35,000 suggest bail bond but anything over 10,000 pounds is a Class D felony with a $200,000-300,000 bail bond. 

Possessing higher-level drugs like cocaine or heroin is an automatic Class I felony with a $2,500-10,000 bail. Trafficking heroin or coke can range from a Class G felony all the way up to Class C. Bail here ranges from $30,000 all the way up to $500,000. 

Driving While Intoxicated

Most of the time, driving while intoxicated will not result in jail time or a need for a bond. However, there are five levels of DWI charges and certain factors that can drive a need for a bond. 

One of these is if you have committed more than three DWIs within the last 10 years. You would then be considered a Class F felon and suggested bail can range from $30,000-45,000. 

Domestic Violence 

This crime is a little bit more of a touchy subject because of the fact that the defendant and victim usually are living together. Due to that factor, you usually have to be held for 48 hours in jail before a bail amount can even be determined. 

Domestic violence is generally defined as an act of violence committed between people sharing a personal relationship. These include spouses, people of the opposite sex who live together, parents, grandparents, or anyone from the same household. 

Charges can vary significantly under this category. On the lower end, you have a simple assault. This is a Class 2 misdemeanor and has a suggested bail of $200-500. 

Meanwhile, a higher-end charge like an assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill is a Class C felony. This bail ranges from $75,000-150,000. 

Other Serious Crimes

The highest level of crime that offers bail is a Class B1 felony. This is a serious crime that has a suggested bail bond that STARTS at $250,000 and can go all the way up to $1 million. 

These are some of the more disturbing crimes out there such as rape, child molestation, statutory rape of a 13-15-year-old, and more. 

Get Help For Your Bond

No matter what type of crime you are being charged with, the way to make the best of a bad situation is to have professionals with plenty of experience helping you in your corner. 

Still wondering about the bail amounts by crime? If you are in the Raleigh and general Wake County area, contact us for the bail information you need. We can provide you with the entire bail amount you need and provide legal counsel for your upcoming trial.