What Is the Most Expensive Bail Ever?
The highest bail amounts in history have been set for high-profile cases involving serious crimes, financial fraud, or flight risks. Below are some of the most expensive bail amounts ever recorded
Michael Milken – $250 Million (1989)
- Charges – Securities fraud, insider trading.
- Outcome – Paid a $600 million fine and served 22 months in prison.
Raj Rajaratnam – $100 Million (2009)
- Charges – Insider trading and securities fraud.
- Outcome – Convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Bernard Madoff – $10 Million (2008)
- Charges – Largest Ponzi scheme in history ($65 billion fraud).
- Outcome – Bail was set at $10 million, but he was later sentenced to 150 years in prison.
Robert Durst – $3 Billion (2003) (Denied)
- Charges – Murder.
- Outcome – Bail was denied, but reports suggest a request for $3 billion bail was made.
Kim Freeman – $1 Billion (2011)
- Charges – Running an illegal escort service.
- Outcome – Her bail was reduced significantly after appeal.
Why Are Some Bails So High?
- Flight Risk – Defendants with access to large financial resources may flee.
- Serious Crimes – Violent offenses, fraud, and organized crime often have higher bail amounts.
- Public Safety Risk – If a defendant poses a threat to society, bail can be set at extreme levels or denied.
Bottom Line
The highest recorded bail was $250 million for Michael Milken, but cases like Robert Durst and Kim Freeman involved billion-dollar bail requests. However, extreme bails are often reduced or denied based on court rulings.
