3 Things To Know About Bail

Getting arrested is something that most people hope to avoid at all costs. However, sometimes life decisions lead people down the wrong path leading to an arrest. If you have been arrested, chances are that your main goal is to get out of jail as soon as possible. The sooner you are out, the faster you will be able to get back to your job and your daily life. If you are unable to be released on your own recognizance, you will likely need to post bail. Here are three things to know about bail. 

How Bail Is Set

When it comes to bail, it can be helpful to know how it is set. When a judge sets the bail amount, they take the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal record, and their current employment status into consideration along with a variety of other factors. Bail can be as low as just a few hundred dollars or can cost thousands. Typically bail is set within a few days or faster. For certain crimes, there may even be something called a bail schedule where bail is predetermined and can be paid immediately.

Bail Bonds Can Help

If you are unable to afford the bail amount set, there are a few options. You can borrow money from friends or family or pay using a loan or credit. Another option is taking out a bail bond. With a bail bond, bail is posted by a bail bondsman for a percentage of the total bail amount. This typically costs around 10 percent of the total value of the bail. In some cases, additional collateral may be needed in order to obtain a bail bond. You may need to use your vehicle, home, or other property in order to secure a bail bond.

Not All States Allow Bail Bonds

When it comes to bail, it's also important to note that bail bonds are not available in all states. There are multiple states in which private bail bonds are prohibited. The states in which bail bonds are prohibited include Massachusetts, Oregon, Illinois, Maine, Kentucky, Nebraska, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. If you are in one of these states and require a bail bond, there are other options. Surety bonds are an alternative that you may want to consider.

If you are arrested, getting out of jail as soon as possible is key. Posting bail is often necessary for getting out of jail. There are a few things to consider. First, it's important to note how bail is set. If you are unable to afford the amount set, a bail bond can help. It's also important to note that in some states bail bonds are not available.  

Navigate to this site and other websites to learn more about posting bail.