When arrested for a felony offense in Ohio, you will be taken to the county jail for processing and booking. Whether you need felony bail bonds in Columbus, Cincinnati, or Dayton, the process is similar across Ohio counties. Within 48 hours of your arrest, you’ll appear before a judge who will set bail based on several factors including the severity of the charge, your criminal history, flight risk, and public safety concerns.
What is a Felony Bond?
When you need a felony bail bondsman in Columbus, Cincinnati, or Dayton, understanding how the system works can help reduce stress during this difficult time.
A felony bond is a financial guarantee that allows the accused to be released from jail while awaiting trial. Felony charges are classified by degree in Ohio—ranging from fifth-degree felonies (least severe) to first-degree felonies (most severe). Common felony charges include aggravated assault, burglary, drug trafficking, theft, weapons charges, repeat DUI/OVI offenses, and fraud.
The judge has discretion to set either a Recognizance Bond (also called a Signature Bond) where you sign an agreement to appear in court, or an Appearance Bond requiring payment. If the Appearance Bond amount is too high to pay in full, you can work with a licensed bail bondsman who typically charges 10% of the total bond amount as a premium.
Felony cases in Ohio often start in municipal court and may be transferred to common pleas court. In some situations, if you’re already out on bond for one charge and get arrested on new felony charges, you may be rearrested and arraigned again with a new bond set.
Information Needed for a Bail Bond
Before calling for a felony bail bond, gathering key information will help expedite the release process. Find out which jail the person is being held at—whether it’s the Franklin County Jail in Columbus, Hamilton County Justice Center in Cincinnati, or Montgomery County Jail in Dayton. You’ll need the bail amount, booking number, full legal name, date of birth, and information about employment or residence. Having collateral information ready may also be helpful for higher bond amounts.