What is a characteristic of a high-risk defendant?

A high-risk defendant is typically characterized by a history of prior failures to appear in court. This behavior suggests that the individual may not be reliable when it comes to adhering to legal obligations, which significantly increases the perceived risk for bail bondsmen and the judicial system. Such defendants are often seen as unlikely to return for subsequent court dates, making them a concern in terms of ensuring accountability during legal proceedings.

In contrast, strong ties to the community, a consistent job history, and positive character references indicate stability and reliability, which are traits more associated with lower-risk defendants. These factors suggest a likelihood of compliance with court orders and returning for court appearances, thereby lowering the risk associated with granting bail.