How To Get Educated About Bail

A run-in with the law is an unpleasant experience that can be devastating to families.  If you or a family member had an encounter with the law, an important question will be, how do you get them out of jail? The information below can be used a guide to educate yourself about bail.

What Is Bail?

Bail is a temporary release of a defendant (person accused of a crime) based on the condition that property or money has been secured in court to guarantee their court appearance.  If the accused fails to appear in court, the security is forfeited.  Bail amounts vary based on the severity of the crime.  Sometimes, the court does not allow bail at all.  Different types of bail in the US include immigration bond, cash bail, citation, and property bond.

When Do You Need Bail?

If you commit a crime, the authorities will make an arrest, and you will be held.  If you are not entitled to sign a pledge to appear for hearings, the judge will set bail, which you will have to post in order to get out of jail. If you are arrested on a weekend and no judge is available, you may be held until bail is set on the next working day. In other cases, you can consult a 24 hour bail bondsman and post bail immediately for a loved one to help them avoid the psychological toll of being in jail overnight. 

Who Sets Bail?

A judge or bail magistrate is responsible for setting bail.  Some jails have standard bail schedules that specify bail amounts for common crimes so you can get out of jail quickly upon payment. Posting bail in order to ensure your release will require you to either sign a written agreement to appear at the trial, present cash, or use property as a form of collateral.

Finding a Bail Bondsman

A family member, friend, or loved one can post your bail.  However, if the bond cannot be obtained, you can choose the best bail bondsman to provide the necessary funds to release you. A bail bondsman goes through a series of training in order to become certified. Ensure that he or she is authorized to work in your state or jurisdiction.

To safeguard yourself from any violations, understand the bail bond process through professional sources, like All Night & Day Bailbonds. Review the bail bond contract before signing so that you are sure not to jeopardize your finances. Be certain of how bond fees work before you hand over any cash. Ensure that you appear in court for trial, which will guarantee that your bail money is returned. In short, get educated today; it can save you a lot of frustration!


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