Getting out of jail on bail before trial is about to become more expensive for dangerous and repeat offenders in Mecklenburg County.

Officials today will unveil new guidelines aimed at better linking bond amounts to the level of risk defendants pose to the community, the Charlotte Observer reported.

The higher the risk, the higher the recommended bail amount. But defendants who pose little risk, the newspaper reported, may find it easier to bail out.

For example:

• Minimum bond for assault on a female is often set at $2,500. The new recommended range will be $1,000 to $5,000 - with the final amount depending on the level of risk a defendant appears to pose.
   
• Armed robbery will now carry a $50,000 bond minimum, double the previous suggested amount.
   
• For breaking and entering, the new guidelines suggest a range of $2,500 to $25,000 - instead of the current suggested minimum of $2,500.

The new guidelines are set to take effect July 12. Final decisions on bail amounts will still be left to individual judges and magistrates, the Observer reported.

Read more at CharlotteObserver.com.
 

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