Who is responsible for setting the bond for a criminal defendant?

The judge is the individual responsible for setting the bond for a criminal defendant. In the judicial system, the judge takes into consideration various factors when determining the bond amount, such as the severity of the charges, the defendant's criminal history, the potential flight risk, and any prior appearances in court. The judge’s primary purpose in setting the bond is to ensure that the defendant will return for their court appearances while also considering the safety of the community.

While bondsmen facilitate the process of securing a bond for the defendant after it has been set, they do not have the authority to determine what that bond amount will be. The prosecution may present arguments regarding the bond amount, potentially asking for a higher amount based on their assessment of the defendant's danger to society, but the ultimate decision rests with the judge. Similarly, while defense attorneys can argue for a lower bond based on their client's circumstances, they do not have the final say in this matter. Thus, it's clear that the judge plays a crucial and decisive role in establishing the bond for a defendant.