Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

Bond type HG means the defendant is being held for a bond hearing and cannot be released until a judge reviews the case. The letters HG stand for “Hold for Hearing.” This designation appears when the court decides bail cannot be automatically set at booking and must instead be determined by a judge. Until that hearing takes place, the defendant remains in custody. The HG bond type is common in cases involving serious charges, prior criminal history, or public safety concerns.

Purpose Of An HG Bond

The HG bond type allows the court to review the case before setting or allowing bail. It is a safeguard that ensures the judge evaluates the facts, the defendant’s background, and any potential risks before deciding on release. Judges use this process to determine if the defendant should be granted bail, denied it, or released under special conditions such as supervision or monitoring.

• HG means hold for hearing – The defendant must appear before a judge before bail is set.
• Used in serious or repeat cases – Applies when immediate release might pose a risk.
• Not eligible for automatic bond – Bail is not pre-approved by the jail or booking officer.

When Bond Type HG Is Used

Judges typically use HG bonds for cases involving higher-level offenses or individuals with a history of missed court appearances or violations.

• Felony or violent criminal charges.
• Domestic violence or weapons-related offenses.
• Probation or parole violations.
• Repeat offenders or individuals with multiple pending cases.
• Situations involving threats to public safety or victims.

By marking the case as HG, the court ensures that bail is carefully reviewed rather than automatically set based on standard bail schedules.

What Happens At The Bond Hearing

The bond hearing allows the judge to decide whether bail will be set and at what amount. During this hearing, both the prosecutor and defense attorney present information about the defendant’s background, criminal record, and risk of not appearing for trial. The judge then decides one of the following outcomes.

• Set a specific bond amount for release.
• Grant release with special conditions, such as GPS monitoring or no-contact orders.
• Deny bond entirely, keeping the defendant in custody until trial.

How Long You Stay On An HG Bond

Defendants remain on hold until the hearing occurs. The timeline depends on the court’s schedule, the severity of the charges, and the attorney’s availability. Some hearings take place within 24 to 48 hours, while others may take some days if additional review is required. Once the judge makes a decision, the bond type will change to reflect the new status, such as cash, surety, or recognizance bond.

What To Do If You See HG On A Jail Record

If you see HG listed under bond type on a jail record or booking report, it means the person is not yet eligible for release. You can contact the clerk of the court or the local jail for the scheduled hearing date. After the hearing, the judge will set the conditions and amount required for release.

An HG bond means the defendant’s bail must be reviewed by a judge before any release can occur. It is not an automatic bond but a temporary status that ensures the court evaluates all risks and legal factors before making a final decision on bail.