Jail is not an exciting place to stay, from the countless hours of boredom to lack of privacy and overcrowding. As such, when you or your loved one gets arrested, you want to secure their freedom as soon as possible. Fortunately, once the court sets your bail, you can secure your freedom in numerous ways. Learn four ways to get out of jail.
Releasing on Your Own Recognizance
In this case, you don't pay bail to secure your freedom, and you are responsible for attending court hearings. If you fail to show up in court, an arrest warrant is issued, and you can be detained until your case closes.
Defendants with a low risk of flight and those who are not a threat to others are often released on their own recognizance. Also, you can ask for this type of release if you have strong ties in the community - perhaps you have lived there for many years or have several family members living there, little to no criminal record, and a proven record for showing up for court dates.
Paying Cash
You can secure your release by paying for the amount in cash, referred to as cash bail. The cash bail acts as surety that you will show up for all court appearances. You can pay for the bail using cash, credit card, check, or any other payment mode the court permits.
The most significant benefit of using cash bail is that you get a refund once your case closes. However, this advantage can be a disadvantage in disguise since you may lose your money if you fail to appear in court. Also, most people can't raise the money necessary for cash bails, especially when the bail amount is high.
Using Property for Bail
Defendants without cash to pay their bail can use property to get out of jail. The property should be a valuable asset such as a vehicle or house. When you post bail with your property, the court places a claim on it until your case closes. Failing to appear for a hearing can result in the property's forfeiture to cater for the bail. Therefore, you should be cautious when using property bonds.
Many states require properties to be worth twice the bail. If this rule applies to you, if your bail is $2,000, the property's value should be $4,000. Notably, using a property for bail is complex and often requires lengthy and time-consuming procedures, including appraisal.
Hiring a Bail Bonds Agent
If you don't have cash or property for bail, you can use the services of a bail bonds company. The agency caters to your bail, and you only pay 10% of the bail. This fee is non-refundable that you pay upfront.
Hiring a bail bonds company is cost-effective since you don't incur a substantial initial payment, and some agencies have flexible payment plans. The company also helps with the procedures for securing your freedom; they are experienced in court and jail procedures to process your release in the shortest time possible.
Being arrested is often a frustrating and confusing experience for both the defendant and their loved ones. Luckily, you don't have to stay in jail longer than necessary, and you can secure your release with several methods. If you are not eligible for release on personal recognizance, using a bail bond agent is usually the best option since you don't risk losing money or property.
Call
A-Action Bail Bonds for bail bond services in Texas. We help secure your release in a professional and timely manner. We are a family-owned and -operated agency and give every client priority and service.
Phone: 210-226-5487
Toll Free: 800-221-0931
Address: 1126 W Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 78207
Business Hours: 24/7 Service
Financial Arrangements Available, Collateral Not Required on Most Bonds