“Hey, I got arrested.” It’s a statement you never want to hear, but it happens to families every day. In fact, there are more than 10 million arrests in the United States each year.
That arrest can signal a lengthy court process filled with court dates, trials, and appeals. But your loved one may not have to wait behind bars. The judge may allow them to be bailed out.
But what is bail and how does the bail process work? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Bail, Exactly?
Bail is an agreement between the court and a defendant that allows the defendant to wait for their trial at home. If your loved one is arrested and granted bail, you’ll be able to pay the court a set fee in exchange for their release. If your loved one attends their court date, you’ll get that money back.
Keep in mind that bail isn’t always automatically granted. If your loved one gets arrested for a more serious crime, you’ll have to wait for a judge to review the case and determine if they’re eligible for bail and how much that amount should be.
How to Pay Bail
When it comes to paying for bail, you have several choices. You can either pay the fee upfront in cash or work with a bail bonds agent to effectively borrow the money.
Both options will help your loved one get out of jail fast so they can get back to life as normal.
If you have the cash on hand, paying the court upfront is best. If you don’t have the cash, working with a bail bonds agent is a good alternative.
They’ll post bail on your loved one’s behalf in exchange for a set fee and interest rate on the amount you’re borrowing.
Should You Always Pay Bail?
If a loved one gets arrested, it’s normal to look for simple ways to help them get out as fast as possible. Paying bail is one of the most helpful things you can do. However, you need to have reasonable confidence that they’ll attend their court date.
If your loved one misses their court date, the amount paid in bail is forfeit.
Before you pay, think about your loved one’s dependability. If you can trust them to attend their court date on time, paying bail is a good idea. However, if you think they’ll miss the court date or you’re worried that they might skip town, let them wait for their trial in jail.
The Bail System Is There to Help
If you’re loved one gets arrested and is awarded bail, it’s normal to wonder, “what is bail?” Now that you know the answer, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision and help your loved one do what’s best for their long-term needs.
Keep in mind that bail doesn’t guarantee a favorable decision in the courtroom. You’ll still need to choose a trustworthy attorney to represent your loved one’s best interest. Check out our latest posts for more tips to help you find a great defense attorney.