We’ve all seen it often enough on movies and news channels, but what does ‘bail’ actually mean in the USA, and what do you do if you or a loved one finds yourself on the wrong side of the law?
You do not want to get that call. However, the one you hold dear may need your support if you do. It could be a tough ordeal to bail someone out of jail. The thought of attempting anything new might be intimidating, even if you’ve never done it before. The courts require a criminal defendant to post a sum of money known as “bail” before releasing them from jail. To guarantee that the defendant shows up for any planned court appearances, the courts retain this money. The severity of the charges will determine the amount of bail (known as costo de fianzas in the Hispanic community), and for certain offenses, the courts will not accept any kind of bond for the accused.
Here are the main steps to bail out your beloved in the USA.
Determine the Bail Amount
When brought before a court for trial, a person who has been arrested and charged with a crime will be considered a defendant.
After processing and placing the defendant in jail, the judge has the discretion to release them until their next court date. In any case, the establishment of bail, the amount of money required to release someone from jail, will hold the accused accountable for attending the trial.
The defendant will receive this money back once they’ve appeared in court on the specified day or days. Every one of the sessions requires their presence in court. If the defendant does not show up for court, the court keeps the money.
Choose the Kind of Bail or Bond to Use in Jail
Choosing the kind of bail to post is the next step after deciding on the bond amount. As far as posting bail goes, the three most common options are as follows:
- Professional bonding company
- Posting a cash bond
- Posting a property bond
Every jail has its own set of rules that dictate how they handle these different types of bail bonds. Checking the rules of the prison or visiting their website is a very crucial step to take to ensure that you are always up to speed on their regulations.
Gather Information and Contact a Bail Agent
To effectively collaborate with a bail agent, ensure you have the necessary details about the situation at hand. Typically, you need to know the person’s name, the name of the police station, and the bail amount to proceed with an arrest. Having the booking number on hand is also useful.
Know the Possible Consequences
Your friend’s planned court appearance is always subject to the chance that they will not show up. The agent may be able to recover the funds that have been paid on their behalf by bringing them before the authority of the court, as allowed by the contract or the legislation, whichever applies. Typically, one of the bounty hunters in the country is summoned to do this. It is critical to ensure that the person will attend all of their planned court appearances once they have been released from detention.
You assume a great deal of responsibility for the person you are posting bail for when you do so. Keeping in mind the possible outcomes and the repercussions of those events is a smart move.
Be Supportive
You should be there for your loved one every step of the way if you want them to continue fighting for their case and begin anew after receiving a bond. Your assistance in arranging transportation to court dates and attorney sessions is of the utmost importance. Additionally, you may offer to assist them with their expenses if it is possible, allowing them to focus on their case. The legal process is stressful, so ensure that you’re patient and understanding.
Final Notes
The need to get a loved one released from prison quickly is something that bail bondsmen well understand. Although using a bail bond agency’s service expedites the procedure in comparison to doing everything on your own, the agent can only do so much.
It is within your power to contact the bail bond agency immediately upon becoming aware of the need for one. If you do that, the agent may start working to get your loved one released from prison right away.
The fact of the matter is that the jail may need a few hours to successfully finish the necessary papers. Despite the agent’s best efforts to expedite the preparation of the necessary papers, once the jail receives them, they will relinquish control over the issue.
Moreover, it is also your responsibility that the defendant appears in court at the set hearing date.
