Bail Bonds: How To Get Out Of Jail After An Arrest

24 February 2015

Mia Nelson

If you are arrested, one of the first things you are going to think about is how to get out. Many people who are arrested will have bail posted, which is an amount of money that must be paid in order to release you until your next court appearance. If you or a loved one does not have the full amount in cash for bail, you can get a bail bond. Here is more information about being released from jail and getting a bail bond.

How is bail set?

Bail is typically set by a judge, but you have to wait until you see a judge following your arrest, which could take several days. If you want to get out sooner and have no criminal history, you might be able to get an early bail set. This amount will be based on the crime committed, as most states have standard bail schedules they go by. These are set by common crimes, such as assault and battery, or car theft. The bail amount might seem like a lot, and in many cases it can be. This is where getting a bail bond comes in handy. If you committed a more serious crime, or have a criminal history, bail will not be set until you see a judge.

How does a bail bond work?

Bail can often be thousands of dollars, which you or your loved ones might not have on hand to post for bail. In this case, you can get a bail bond. A bail bond is issued by a local bondsman, who will take a deposit of the full bail amount and collateral in order to get a bond for releasing you from jail. It is beneficial if you have collateral and a small percentage of the bail amount for the non-refundable deposit, instead of the full amount. They are usually open 24 hours a day, so your loved one can bail you out at any time, day or night.

What should you know about bail bonds?

The main benefit to getting a bond over paying money to the state is that you only have to pay a small percentage of the bail amount. While in many cases, this is a non-refundable fee, you may be able to get it back under certain circumstances. For example, if you appear for your court date and are released with a non-guilty verdict, you may get the deposit back. There is no interest needed when getting a bond; you just pay whatever percentage the bail bondsman requires or have a loved one pay it so you can get released from jail. You do have a risk when having someone get you a bond, since if you fail to show up for court as requested, their collateral could be at jeopardy.

Can you be released for free?

In a few cases, you will be released from jail without bail, which is called being released on your own recognizance. Not everyone will qualify for this type of release, especially if you have been arrested before, or the crime you were arrested for puts you at risk to the general public. You must agree to appear at court when requested. You will need to have a very good reason for being released on your own recognizance, such as being a stellar part of your community with no priors. If you have a criminal record, but always appeared for all court dates, you may also qualify. Talk to a professional like America Bonding Co for more information.

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