Unless you can be released on your own recognizance, bail is the only way out of jail. Many people phone a friend or relative, but sometimes there is no one available to help you. You might be able to bail yourself out of jail if the circumstances are just right. Read on to find out more about taking matters into your own hands.
What to Know About Bail
Bail allows some defendants to be free from jail while awaiting trial. Jails are usually very crowded places. With court calendars being as overcrowded as the jails, bail gets people back to their jobs and families. If you meet the requirements, you can be offered bail. Bail is money paid, but it is also an agreement to abide by the various conditions attached to it. Usually, that means not being arrested and showing up for court.
One of Two Ways to Pay Bail
Bail, unfortunately, is often very expensive. It can be thousands of dollars in many cases. If you happen to have the full amount of the bail with you at the time of your arrest, you may be allowed to access those funds and pay the bail. In some cases, if you have strong ties to the community and have no previous record, you may be released provisionally. That means you can leave the jail as long as you promise to return with the bail money.
Using a Bail Bonding Company
Bail bonding agencies are not part of the court system, though they perform a valuable service for those arrested and unable to post bail due to financial considerations. The bonding company posts a bond on your behalf, pledging that you will return for court and abide by the other bail conditions. If you fail to appear, the bonding agency might end up having to pay the bail and will do everything within their power to locate you and return you to jail. Bail bonds are usually a mere percentage of the full bail amount. In most cases, a person outside the jail has to make bail bond arrangements, but some bonding agencies will work with defendants that fulfill the following criteria:
- Have low bail amounts.
- Have no previous occurrence of skipping bail.
- Live in the area and have community ties.
- Own property in the area and can provide additional collateral.
- Have good credit scores.
- Have steady employment.
Usually, you are picked up from the jail by the bonding agent and taken directly to the bonding office to complete the paperwork. To learn more about this topic, reach out to a bail bonds company.
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