Most Common Bailable Offenses in Austin, TX

In Austin, TX, certain offenses frequently require bail bonds to secure release from jail. Understanding the typical bail amounts for these offenses can help you navigate the bail process. Below, we cover the most common bailable offenses in Austin, along with typical bond amounts and what these offenses entail.

1. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Driving While Intoxicated, or DWI, is a common offense in Austin, and Texas has strict penalties for this charge. Being charged with a DWI means that a person was found operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For a first offense, this is usually classified as a Class B misdemeanor. However, subsequent offenses or elevated BAC levels can lead to more severe charges.

• Typical Bond Amount: $2,000 – $5,000 for a first offense
• Consequences of DWI: License suspension, fines, mandatory classes, and possible jail time.
• Factors Affecting Bail: Prior DWI history, BAC level, and any additional factors such as property damage or injuries.

Securing bail through a bail bonds company allows individuals to resume work or school commitments while awaiting their court date.

2. Possession of Marijuana

While marijuana laws have become more lenient across the country, Texas still enforces strict penalties for possession. A small amount of marijuana (up to two ounces) is considered a Class B misdemeanor, while larger quantities lead to more severe charges. If found with more than four ounces, a person could face felony charges.

• Typical Bond Amount: $500 – $2,500 for possession under two ounces
• Consequences of Possession: Fines, community service, possible jail time, and a permanent criminal record.
• Factors Affecting Bail: Amount of marijuana, prior criminal history, and intent to distribute.

Those charged with simple possession often turn to bail bonds companies to help secure release quickly and minimize disruptions to their daily lives.

3. Assault (Misdemeanor)

Assault charges range widely in severity, with most simple assault cases being classified as Class A misdemeanors. This offense occurs when someone causes bodily injury to another person, threatens harm, or engages in provocative physical contact. In Texas, the bail amount for misdemeanor assault reflects the nature and impact of the offense.

• Typical Bond Amount: $3,000 – $5,000
• Consequences of Assault: Probation, fines, mandatory anger management classes, and possible jail time.
• Factors Affecting Bail: Severity of injury, relationship between the individuals, and prior criminal history.

Choosing a bail bond can allow the individual to work on their defense strategy with an attorney outside of jail while awaiting court.

4. Theft and Shoplifting

Theft charges depend on the value of the items stolen. In Texas, stealing property worth less than $2,500 is considered a misdemeanor, while theft over this amount can escalate to a felony. Shoplifting is one of the most common theft offenses in Austin, particularly for younger individuals or first-time offenders.

• Typical Bond Amount: $1,000 – $5,000, depending on the value of the stolen items
• Consequences of Theft: Fines, community service, restitution, and a criminal record.
• Factors Affecting Bail: Value of the stolen property and any prior theft convictions.

Bail bonds help individuals return home, continue working, or complete school obligations while preparing for their court date.

5. Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges are treated seriously in Austin and throughout Texas. This offense covers a range of situations, from verbal threats to physical altercations within household or family relationships. Domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the level of injury and any prior domestic violence history.

• Typical Bond Amount: $5,000 – $10,000, potentially higher for severe cases
• Consequences of Domestic Violence: Jail time, protective orders, counseling requirements, and restricted contact with the victim.
• Factors Affecting Bail: Severity of injury, past domestic violence charges, and relationship to the victim.

Bail bonds allow the accused to be released with conditions, such as no-contact orders, so they can still prepare for their legal defense outside of jail.

6. Drug Possession (Other than Marijuana)

Drug possession charges, especially for substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription medications without a valid prescription, are taken very seriously in Austin. Depending on the type and quantity of the drug, these charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony.

• Typical Bond Amount: $3,000 – $10,000 for common drug charges, higher for larger quantities or intent to distribute
• Consequences of Drug Possession: Fines, probation, mandatory rehab, community service, and potential jail time.
• Factors Affecting Bail: Type and quantity of drug, intent to sell or distribute, and prior drug offenses.

Bail bonds provide a way for individuals to return home, undergo treatment, or meet with legal counsel while awaiting their court appearance.

7. Burglary

Burglary, which involves entering a building without permission with intent to commit a crime, is considered a serious offense in Texas. Depending on the property targeted and whether someone was inside, burglary can be classified as a felony. Residential burglaries usually carry higher bail amounts than non-residential incidents.

• Typical Bond Amount: $10,000 – $20,000
• Consequences of Burglary: Long-term prison sentences, restitution to the victim, and a permanent criminal record.
• Factors Affecting Bail: Type of property, presence of residents, and prior burglary charges.

Bail bonds for burglary charges can help defendants return to their homes and responsibilities as they build a defense for their court case.