The holiday season is meant for family, food, and festive gatherings, giving thanks or celebrating the birth of Jesus or the dawning of the new year. But sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and an arrest can upend your celebrations in an instant. Whether the incident happens in your hometown or while traveling out of state, knowing your options and acting quickly can make all the difference. AAA Bail Bonds has served Minnesota families since 1991, and we’re here to help get your loved one home fast.
Stay Calm and Gather Key Information
The first moments after an arrest can be stressful and scary for the person arrested and for their families. Before you contact a bail bondsman, here’s what you’ll want to collect:
- The full legal name and date of birth of the arrested person.
- The location of arrest, including the city, county, state, and holding facility.
- The charge(s), if possible.
- Contact info for the arresting jurisdiction and jail.
Having this information ready helps speed up the bail process, especially if the arrest happens away from home.
Arrested While Traveling? Know the Rules
If your loved one is arrested in Minnesota while traveling, or if you’re dealing with an out-of-state arrest, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Arrest jurisdiction matters. For example, if the arrest happened in another state, bail usually must be posted there. We’re experts at navigating Minnesota arrests and can help coordinate across jurisdictions in Minnesota. We do have resources and can assist in a referral to a bail bond company in another state.
- Some states have eliminated commercial bail bonds. For example, Illinois and Wisconsin do not allow bail bond companies to operate. In these states, the court may require a 10% cash deposit with a guarantor for the full bail amount, the pledging of physical property as security, or collateral instead of cash payment to guarantee bail.
- Time is of the essence. Holidays and travel increase the risks of delays. Working with licensed Minnesota agents like AAA Bail Bonds ensures that someone is ready to act.
- If arrested while traveling, make sure to understand the conditions for traveling while out on bail.
- Even if the arrest occurred in another state, our agents may be able to answer questions and may be able to facilitate bail from Minnesota. Do not hesitate to contact AAA Bail Bonds with any questions you may have.
Holiday & Weekend Considerations
Minnesota courts or administrative offices may have limited hours during holidays. However:
- AAA Bail Bonds is open 7 days a week, statewide.
- Our agents cover locations across Minnesota and meet clients in jail, court, or our office.
- Even when state offices are closed, AAA Bail Bonds has links to many resources available on our website to answer questions you may have.
Acting fast means your loved one can be released and home sooner, even during the busy holiday season.
Understand Your Bail Options
There are a couple of different options when it comes to bail:
- Cash bail: You provide the full bail amount directly to the court. This option is particularly difficult during the holiday season due to the financial strain it can cause. The cash bail posted also becomes the property of the person in jail, and the court can apply every fine, fee, penalty, and more against the cash paid before returning it to the person charged with the crime.
- Surety bond: AAA Bail Bonds posts bail for a percentage of the fee, typically 10% of the bail face value, with a cosigner who will guarantee the full bail amount if there is a failure to appear.
We’ll explain your options clearly, as well as the pros and cons of each, and help you choose the best path for your situation.
To learn more about the difference between Cash Bail and Bail Bonds, click here!
After Release: What Comes Next?
Once the bond is posted and your loved one is released, the journey isn’t over. They must:
- Attend all scheduled court hearings in the correct county. Missing a court date in Minnesota can lead to a warrant and bond forfeiture.
- Follow any travel restrictions. If charges stem from another state, travel may be restricted until legal matters are resolved.
- Stay in touch with their bail agent. We’re here to support the success of our clients throughout the pretrial process.
You’re Not Alone! AAA is Here to Help.
An arrest during the holidays can feel like a nightmare, but you don’t have to face it alone. With experienced agents across Minnesota, AAA Bail Bonds offers fast, professional help, even on holidays, weekends, or during travel disruptions.
If your loved one has been arrested in Minnesota or while traveling and is facing a complicated bail situation, call us right away at 612-900-3400 for immediate assistance. AAA will be here to guide you through the entire process.
