Being arrested and charged with a crime is a stressful and upsetting experience. For many, staying in jail is not an option. Fortunately, you might not have to stay in jail if you are released using one of the options below. Read on and choose your best option.
No Money Down
All of the options to be released from jail involve money — except for own recognizance and a signature bond. If you fit the profile, you can be released with no bail money owed but there are still conditions that you must obey. Your chances of an own recognizance or signature bond release depend on the seriousness of the crime, your criminal record, and other factors. Similar to own recognizance is a signature bond. As long as you appear and follow all conditions, you won't owe the court any money. If, however, you don't go along with the rules, you will owe the court bail money.
Property Bond
If you are flat broke, you might be able to get out of jail using property instead of cash. Once you are arraigned and informed of your bail, you can arrange to pay the bail using a real estate deed or a vehicle title. When the case is over, your property will be returned to you. You may also pay the cash owed during your time out on bail and get your property back. This works well if you expect to have cash later for the bail.
Cash for Bail
Some defendants have enough cash with them to pay their own bail. In other cases, a phone call to a friend or loved one brings them freedom. Bail amounts can very expensive, however, and many are unable to bail themselves out or pay the full amount of the bail. If you do pay the bail to the courts, your cash is refunded if you obey all bail conditions at the end of the case. The case might end if you agree to a plea bargain, your charges are dropped, or your case comes to court and you are found innocent or sentenced.
Bail Bonds For Freedom
The final option is best for those who don't qualify for a signature bond or an own recognizance release. Bail bonds are arranged through outside agencies (but located near the jail) and require only a small percentage of the full bail price. For example, if bail is set at $5,000 by the court, a bail bond — and freedom — can be had for $500 if the bond premium is 10%. Bail bonding agents are helpful, friendly, and understand how urgent being released from jail can be. Speak to a bail bonds service, like Affordable Bail Bonds, to learn more.
