It sounds to me, based on the story, that the person was originally given those bail amounts when they were charged. They either posted the bail or didn’t—to stay out of jail until they were convicted—but they’re now convicted. The bail is a moot point once you’re convicted.

The bail is usually set at your first hearing after arrest, and is very much at the judge’s discretion, although there are other factors (like a recommendation from the DA). The logic is usually that the higher your bail amount, the more serious your crime. Although sometimes judges will set higher bail to “make a point.”

If you’re a high-profile or rich person and the court has reason to believe you’ll flee the country and the justice system, they may deny you bail altogether.