An In-Depth Guide On How To Make Bail
Finding a loved one in jail can be a distressing experience. One of the first things you might want to do is secure their release as quickly as possible. This is where bail comes in. But what exactly is bail, and how do you make it?
Understanding Bail
A bail bonding agency can make a financial arrangement to pay on a criminal defendant's behalf. A bail bonding agency will arrange with the court to release a suspect from jail pending the trial. This is done in exchange for money or collateral, which may be cash, assets, or a bond.
Step 1: Setting the Bail Amount
The process starts with the court setting a bail amount. This amount varies based on the severity of the crime, the defendant's past criminal history, and their flight risk. In some instances, bail may be denied entirely, especially in severe crimes or if the defendant poses a significant flight risk.
Step 2: Paying the Bail Amount
Once the bail amount is set, the next step is to pay it. There are several ways this can be done:
- Cash Bail: If the defendant or their loved ones have sufficient funds, they can choose to pay the full bail amount in cash. Once the case is concluded, the money is returned, minus any court fees.
- Bail Bond: If the bail amount is too high to be paid out of pocket, a bail bond, also known as a surety bond, can be used. This involves hiring a bail bondsman who will post bail on behalf of the defendant. In return, the defendant or their co-signer must pay a premium.
- Property Bond: In some cases, properties such as a house or land can be used as a bond. The court places a lien on the property for the bail amount. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the property may be seized.
Step 3: Release From Jail
Upon receipt of the bail payment or bond, the court will release the defendant from jail. However, this release comes with conditions. The defendant must attend all court dates and abide by any additional conditions set by the court, such as no contact orders or travel restrictions.
Step 4: Compliance With Court Orders
If the defendant complies with all court orders and attends all required court dates, the bail amount is returned at the end of the trial, regardless of whether the defendant is found guilty or not. If the defendant fails to appear in court, however, they forfeit the bail amount, and an arrest warrant is issued.
Making bail can seem like a daunting process, so it's always advisable to consult with a legal professional when navigating these matters. Contact a local bail bond service, such as Rocket Bail Bonds, to learn more.