(a) When an indictment is filed in court charging the defendant with a bailable felony and the defendant fails to give bail in open court, the judge of the court must forthwith endorse on such indictment the amount of bail to be required of the defendant. When an application for bail is made to any judge, such judge may fix the amount of bail, and the sheriff has authority, and it is his duty, to discharge such defendant on his giving bail as required.

Terms Used In Alabama Code 15-13-6

  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
(b) This section shall not have the effect of preventing application for bail or for reduction of bail in any other manner provided by law.