Getting arrested and having to post bail to get out of jail while your case is pending is an incredibly stressful experience. The financial and logistical challenges of coming up with often large sums of money on short notice can seem daunting. While the bail system certainly needs reform, there are some things you can do to make the bail process a little bit easier on you and your family.
1. Have a Bail Fund Ready
If you or a loved one are at high risk of arrest, it’s wise to have a bail fund already set aside. This involves saving up some money or asking friends and family to contribute so that the full bail amount (or 10% fee for a bond agent) is ready when needed. Even a few thousand dollars set aside makes paying bail less of a hardship.
2. Retain a Lawyer Promptly
Having a criminal defense lawyer advocate for lower or no bail on your behalf can really improve outcomes. Don’t wait until after you’ve paid bail to hire a lawyer. Retain one promptly so they can argue for bail terms favorable to you before the judge.
3. Research Bond Agents in Advance
If paying the full bail amount upfront isn’t feasible, research potential bail bond companies in your area before an arrest ever happens. That way if you need to use a bond agent quickly, you’ll know who to call and what options are available.
4. Provide Full Financial Information
When before a judge, be prepared to provide full accounting of your financial situation – income, assets, debts, obligations. This gives them a fuller picture for setting a proper bail amount you can reasonably afford.
5. Get Support from Family & Friends
Don’t try to deal with bail hearings alone. Having family and friends present to demonstrate community ties and even help pool resources shows the judge you have people who will support and monitor you.
6. Follow ALL Conditions
Make sure to fully abide by any release conditions like drug testing, monitoring, etc. Any violations will cause bail to be revoked and make the process start all over again. Don’t take chances here.
Coming up with bail money is difficult for most regular people. But utilizing the tips above can help make the process a little bit smoother. The most important takeaway? Don’t try to go it alone. Having experienced legal representation and a support system makes all the difference.
Article by:
AA Best Bail Bonds
2501 Airport Fwy.
Fort Worth, TX 76111
Phone: 817-831-3700