There is no fixed bail schedule in federal court. Under the Bail Reform Act, 18 USC § 3141 et seq. the magistrate releases a defendant on conditions sufficient to ensure a defendant's continued appearance. Therefore, release conditions, including bail, can vary dramatically depending on the seriousness of the charges, the defendant's history, and the defendant's financial circumstances.

Bail bondsmen are rarely used in federal court. The defender assigned to a defendant's case can give their family a better feel for the conditions of release that will be required. In every case, however, the more family and community support a defendant has, the more likely release will be granted.