3 FAQs Regarding Bail And Loans

If you or someone you know has been or may be arrested in the near future, you may be wondering about bail. Bail allows you or your loved one to leave jail so you can continue with your life until your hearing. If you are unfamiliar with bailing someone out of jail, check out these three frequently asked questions regarding bail and loans.

Do You Always Need Bail Money?

Not everyone has to pay bail money to leave jail. Depending on the severity of your crime, you may simply be released on your own recognizance. With this type of bail, you don't usually need to pay any money, and no one needs to take responsibility for you or ensure you'll arrive at court. You may have to follow certain rules set forth by the judge, such as avoiding alcohol (especially if the crime involved alcohol).

For the most part, the individual judge has the freedom to decide if you can be released without bail. However, they tend to only do this if it's clear you are not a danger to yourself or anyone else. Therefore, you usually need to have a good criminal record, have an established history in the area, and the crime needs to be minor. If these are all met, the judge will likely allow you to go without bail.

Can You Use Collateral?

If you do need to pay bail, you'll need money. This can come from your own reserves (on your person, in the bank, at home, etc.). In some cases, you may be allowed to pay your own bail and leave, but sometimes, you may need someone to agree to take responsibility for you. This individual is responsible for ensuring you come to court. If you don't, they will lose any money they used to bail you out.

However, it isn't only money that can be used. You can also use collateral. The collateral needs to be worth enough to cover the fees and fines that you incurred because of the crime. If the collateral is small like jewelry, it may be confiscated until after the trial. At which point, it will be returned regardless of the verdict. If the collateral is big like a house, the court will likely just take ownership of the deed, which will also be returned after the trial.

What About a Bail Bond?

If you nor anyone you know has enough money or collateral to pay for bail, a bail bond agent can help. A bail bond is a special type of bond called a surety bond. They are commonly used to bail people out of jail. The loan works like any loan, and you can also use collateral. You will be responsible for repaying the loan after the trial, but after the trial, most of the money will likely be returned, so you'll only have to worry about repaying interest and any money that was not returned for fees and fines.

If you do not attend the trial, the bail bondsman will likely send a bounty hunter to find you and redirect you to your hearing. This is to ensure they recoup their money. The advantage of a bail bond, however, is that they can be obtained nearly whenever you need one. Even in the middle of the night on the weekend, you can usually find a bail bond lender.

When you get arrested, it can be a terrifying time, and if you need to find money to pay for bail, it can be even more overwhelming. Luckily, there are many ways to pay for bail, and if you can't afford it, bail bonds can help. For more information about bail or bail bonds, contact a bondsman in your area today.