No one wants to get a call from a loved one in jail, It’s a hard thing to process. Someone you care about is in a bad situation, and they’re asking you for help. It’s that much worse when you know you don’t have the means to secure their release right away. Bail can be expensive, and not everyone has the cash to post it right away.
If someone is in jail and money is a problem, it can feel hopeless. But you aren’t out of options yet. There are a few ways to get someone out of jail with little or no money. The three options listed below could make all the difference, so explore them thoroughly.
Appeal the Bail. A person can appeal their bail. It is a legal right. The process involves appearing before a judge again, and that presents an immediate challenge. Until the appeal completes, the defendant will remain in jail. Still, if there are no better alternatives, this is a viable way for someone to get out of jail.
Ask for Help. It is important to remember that bail is refunded in full as long as the defendant makes their court dates. If there is someone you can ask to help with bail, it’s a common enough favor to ask. Make sure the defendant is in court as needed, and the generous friend gets all of their money back.
Consider a Bond. Bonds exist for a reason. Not everyone can find the money for bail, but they should still have an opportunity to get out of jail. Bond agents are experts at the bail process. They will charge a flat fee. For that fee, they will pay the bail and secure release. It’s worth noting that the bond fee will always be much, much less than the bail itself. It’s why bonds are a viable way to post bail.
It’s important to understand a few things about bonds. They are legally binding contracts, and if the defendant violates any part of it, the bond agent can cancel the contract. That means bail is no longer secured, and the defendant will end up back in jail. In general, there are two reasons this might happen. The first is missing a court date. Bail is there to ensure a person makes their court appearance, and the bond agent assumes legal responsibility for making sure the defendant is present. The other time a contract might be voided is if the bond fee (typically called a premium) isn’t paid.
If you or a loved one needs help posting bail, don’t hesitate to contact AAA Bail Bonds. Our bail bondsman are available 24 hours a day and can bail you out of jail any time, day or night.