If your loved one has recently been arrested, you may need to post bail to have them released from jail, so they can await their court date at home. Posting bail usually involves paying a fee, but there may be other rules and regulations to follow as well. If you are considering posting bail for your loved one, check out these three facts first, so you are fully aware of the commitment.
You May Need to Take Responsibility for Your Loved One
Ideally, your loved one can be released on their own recognizance, which means no money is paid, and no one takes responsibility for your loved one. However, OR is usually only granted if the individual is not considered a threat to themselves or others, and if they are not a flight risk. If OR is not allowed, you may have to agree to certain guidelines to bail your loved one out of jail. To start, you'll need to agree they will attend all their court dates. In fact, if they fail to attend all their court dates, you lose the money you paid for bail. Depending on the type of crime, you may also have to agree to other terms, such as ensuring they do not consume alcohol.
You Can Use Collateral or Cash to Post Bail
The easiest way to post bail is with cash, but you have to have the money or be able to borrow it, making this a poor choice for many people. If you own any collateral, you may be able to use it to post bail. You can use many types of items and property for collateral, but it must equal the full amount of the bail or more. If you own your own home, you can usually use the deed as collateral. The benefit is you continue to live in your home before and during the trial. The court will likely obtain ownership of the deed in case your relative or friend disappears. After the trial, the collateral and/or cash is returned minus any fees.
Bail Bond Agents Offer Specialized Loans for Bail Money
If you don't have enough cash or collateral to pay the bail, you may qualify for a bail bond loan from a bond agent. These companies are third-party lenders willing to give surety loans to help people pay bail. You can usually find bail bond agents near courthouses, and they are often accessible at all hours, so clients have full access. When the trial is over, the loan amount is returned to the bail bond agent, but you will likely need to pay fees and interest.
If your loved one qualifies for bail, they can spend the time before their trial in the comfort of their own home. However, you may need to take full responsibility for their actions, and if they don't attend trial, you may be out of luck. For more information about bail bonds and loans, contact a bail bond services agent in your area today.