What is a flight risk?

According to US Legal, a "flight risk" is a term used to describe an individual who may leave his local or state jurisdiction to avoid criminal prosecution. If a person is considered a flight risk, the court may increase his bail or prevent his bond.

The criteria used to determine a flight risk include the defendant's financial resources, the defendant's family and community ties, and strength of evidence. If the defendant is not found to be a flight risk, he can typically be released on bail. However, if the defendant is a flight risk, bail may be denied, and the defendant might have to remain in jail until the appointed trial date.