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Because a document signed Thursday by the Iowa Chief Justice Marsha Ternus, some individuals accused of wrongdoing will save a few bucks.

The Uniform Bond Schedule allows an arrested person to be released pending an initial appearance before the court and sets bond fees associated with such a release. The fee schedule can be used if the person in question was not arrested on a forcible felony and if Iowa courts are not in session. The schedule is developed by the Judicial Council, a body made up of chief judges from Iowa's eight judicial districts, the chief judge from the Court of Appeals and Ternus.

The updates on Thursday were the first in nearly nine years and, as such, reflect a few changes made to the Iowa Code during that time. Exempt offenses are any forcible felonies (as defined in code section 702.11), felonies related to the manufacture, delivery/intent to deliver or distribution of methamphetamine, and cases involving domestic abuse and stalking laws. Such offenses are not eligible for release without an appearance before the court.

The new schedule drastically reduces all bonding levels. Previously an individual arrested for selling or attempting to sell more than 500 grams of cocaine would be required to post $130,000 bond. Under the new schedule that same individual would post a $100,000 bond.

Lesser offenses -- such as class D felonies and simple misdemeanors -- also saw reduced bonds.

The reductions, says Rebecca Colton, assistant to the Chief Justice, are a reflection of the courts' desire to reduce strain on jail facilities.

When court is in session, judges can exercise discretion when setting bond amounts. Persons arrested on multiple charges who are eligible for release while court is not in session will need to post bond for the highest offense, regardless of the number of equal or lesser charges.

The new schedule will take effect on Aug. 15.