Three Things You Need to Know About Paying Bail
If a family member ends up being bars, your first instinct may to be to bail them out of jai as quickly as possible. However, that may not be the best financial decision to make. Before heading down to the local jail to get your loved one out, be sure to explore your options to ensure that you are able to afford to bail your loved one out of jail.
Wait to Pay Bail
It may not feel intuitive to wait to pay bail, but it is often your best course of action. Waiting to pay bail can help you save money on the bail amount. In general, it is smart to wait for your loved one to attend their first court hearing or arraignment. This is where your loved one will go in front of a judge, and this process—depending on the state you are in—has to happen within about two days after your loved one is arrested.
When your loved one appears in front of a judge, if official files have not been charged, they may be dropped and your loved one may be released from jail. If the charges are going forward, the judge may determine that your loved one doesn't need to stay in jail and may release them on their own recognizance. Even if they are not released, a defense attorney may be able to get your loved one's bail fee reduced to a more reasonable amount.
Contact an Attorney
You are going to want to contact a defense attorney. A defense attorney may be able to get the bail lowered before your loved one's first court appearance by talking to the detention release officer on duty. If that doesn't work, they may be able to get the bail lowered at your loved one's first court appearance.
A defense attorney can also refer you to a respected bail bonds agency to work with. Often times, if you have a referral from an attorney, you can enjoy a reduced fee from the bail bond company.
Work with a Bail Bond Agent
Not many people are able to put up the entire amount of the bail bond, which is where working with a bail bond agent comes into play. Just like an attorney, a bail bond agent can work to get your loved one's bail reduced. Then, they can help you figure out what collateral you can put together in order to pay the bail. Bail bond companies, such as First Choice Bail Bonds, will accept collateral instead of cash for putting up the bond for your loved one.