In what document is the bail amount typically specified?

The bail amount is typically specified in the bail schedule, which is an official document created by the court that outlines the standard bail amounts for various offenses. This schedule is used to provide uniformity and consistency in the determination of bail amounts across similar cases. It helps ensure that defendants are treated fairly and that the bail amounts are set in accordance with the gravity of the offenses charged.

The bail schedule is made public and is used by law enforcement and the courts to quickly determine the amount of bail that needs to be posted for a defendant upon arrest. In many instances, a suspect can obtain bail without having to go before a judge, simply by following the amounts indicated in this schedule.

While police reports and court orders may include information about a case, they do not typically specify the bail amount in a standardized way like the bail schedule does. Similarly, an arraignment hearing is a court proceeding where a defendant is formally read the charges and can enter a plea, but the actual bail determination often refers back to the amounts set in the bail schedule or may be modified by the judge based on specific circumstances.