When your child calls from jail asking for help with bail, your first reaction is probably to panic. If you haven't had to deal with the legal system before, you probably don't know where to start or what to expect. Here's what you should know about posting bail or getting a bail bond to get your son or daughter out of jail.
Bail Amount
Bail amounts are unpredictable because the judge can take circumstances such as financial means and ties to the community into account when setting bail. However, most offenses have a presumptive bail the judge uses as a suggested amount. Some jails may even somewhat automate the process by assigning the presumptive bail amount to a minor crime to keep from holding people over until the initial court date. If that's the case in your city, you may be able to get your child out of jail as soon as you can come up with bail. If not, you'll have to wait until the first court session when the judge sets the bail amount. That means your child will probably have to spend some time in jail and possibly have to stay overnight.
Paying Bail
If you have cash or property, you can use it as bail money. You can deliver the cash, a check, or property documents to the court. When you pay bail to the court, you have to pay the full amount. As long as your child shows up for all court appearances, you'll get your money or property back. If your child is working and has assets of his or her own, you can help arrange for their money to be used for bail rather than your own as long as they have the financial means to do so.
The purpose of bail is to ensure your child shows up for court and doesn't flee. If your child is in jail due to a drug related offense, and he or she has an addiction problem, consider carefully if it is wise to risk your home or savings if there is a chance your child will miss the court dates. If your child fails to show up, you could lose your money or your home.
Bail Bond
Sometimes bail is so high, you can't afford to pay it. You may not have any property to cover it. In that case, the only way to get your child out of jail is to get a bail bond. A bail bond usually costs about 10 percent of the bail amount. If the bail is set at $10,000, you can expect to pay $1000 to a bondsman if you go this route. If you sign the contract with the bondsman, you are responsible for making sure your child goes to court. If your child flees, the bondsman can then sue you for expenses incurred in tracking down your child.
If you're confident your child will make the necessary court appearances, then a bail bond (from companies like Yusef Odeh Bail Bonds) is a lifesaver. It drastically reduces the amount of money you'll have to scramble to gather in short notice. While you'll be under stress and concerned about your child, be sure to think the situation through before you risk your cash and property on bailing or bonding your child out of jail.
Share5 October 2015
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