How to Bail Someone Out of Jail?
Discovering a friend or family member has been arrested and put in jail can be an incredibly stressful and emotional situation. Your first instinct may be to want to get them out as quickly as possible. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do if someone you care about ends up behind bars.
Understand the Booking and Bail Process
Once someone is arrested, they go through a standard booking and bail-setting procedure. Booking involves taking fingerprints and a mugshot, while bail is the amount of money set that allows the arrested individual to get out of jail while their case moves forward. Bail is not determined based on the crime itself but rather on flight risk and danger to society. The more likely the person will flee or re-offend, the higher the bail amount set.
Explore Bonding Companies
For most people, coming up with the full bail amount is impossible. This is where a bail bondsman comes in handy. A bond agent, commonly known as a bail bondsman, can pay the entire bail amount to the court to enable the detained individual’s release from prison. All you have to pay the bonding company is a non-refundable 10-15% fee. Search for “bail bondsman near me” to find agents closest to the facility holding your loved one.
Alternatives to Bail
Posting a commercial bail bond may not make financial sense or even be possible in all situations. Here are some alternatives to bail include:
- Personal Recognizance Bond: The judge agrees to let the person out based only on their written promise to return to court when needed. No money exchanges hands.
- Unsecured Bond: The defendant pays no money upfront but agrees to pay the full bail amount if they fail to appear in court.
- Cash Bond: Instead of involving a third party, you provide the full bail amount straight to the court in cash. You get back anything you don’t owe once the case concludes.
- Property Bond: Pledge property you own that’s worth enough to cover the set bail rather than coming up with cash.
Gather Needed Information
Before contacting a bonding company, you need to collect important details, including the full name of the person arrested, where they are being held, their booking/ID number, the exact charges, and the bail amount set. The bond agent will need all this information to get started on posting a bond.
Be Prepared to Pay a Percentage
Most bail bond companies require at least 10% of the full bail amount. This fee is non-refundable even if the charges ultimately get dropped or the defendant is found innocent. Make sure you understand any payment plans or collateral rules the bond agent requires. Shop around for the best rates if needed.
Expect Restrictions and Requirements
Don’t assume someone being bailed out of jail gets to walk free with zero accountability. Most bail bond agreements require regular check-ins along with possible drug testing, GPS monitoring, or other restrictive measures. The person out on bail must follow all court dates and rules scrupulously to avoid bail revocation or forfeiture.
Support Your Loved One
Getting arrested and sitting in jail is traumatic. The financial strains, time away from work and family, and uncertainty about pending charges can feel overwhelming. Make sure to provide emotional support following release, along with referrals for legal counsel. Understanding the process and helping navigate the next steps makes a world of difference.
Conclusion
Getting arrested and having to post bail creates immense challenges. Understanding your options and following critical steps allows you to support your loved one through this difficult process. For your bail bond needs in and around High Point, NC, contact Barrino Bail Bonds for personalized consultation and pricing.