Yes, you can bail yourself out of jail. A loved one can also facilitate the bail process on your behalf so you can be released from custody quickly and easily. Here are the three steps in the bail process after arrest:

• A bail amount is set by the court to ensure the defendant appears at the scheduled court date following release from jail.
• Contact us for a free consultation and bail information.
• We work with you, your loved one and the jail to secure release by issuing a bail bond in the amount set by the court.

Yes, you can afford to bail someone out of jail even if you don’t have money immediately on hand. You’ll get help from an agent who will guide you through the bail bond process and get your loved one released from custody quickly. A 10% premium is normally charged for a bail bondsman’s services. However, this varies from state to state.

There is no set amount of bail for a domestic violence offense. Bail amounts are determined by the court and several other factors, including state/location, level of severity of the crime, whether you or your loved one has had prior offenses (strikes), any violation of probation and more.

Bail costs for suspects driving under the influence (DUI) varies greatly depending on several factors including the state/location of the DUI, substances used, severity of the violation a suspended license, prior offenses within a certain period and more.

The bail bond process is a fast process that we help you through so you or your loved one can get out of jail quickly and easily.

The jail booking process normally takes place after a suspect is arrested and taken into custody. Several steps take place during the jail booking process, which varies from county to county:

• The suspect’s personal information is taken by a police officer
• Information about the alleged offense is recorded
• The suspect’s background is searched for warrants and/or previous crimes
• Fingerprints and photographs are taken
• A full-body search is conducted
• A general health check is conducted to determine whether the suspect needs medical care or is a threat to others
• Personal items (such as keys, wallet, clothing, etc.) are taken from the suspect
• The suspect is placed in a holding or jail cell

In short, bail is a part of our legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody so they can continue their lives while they prepare for their day in court. In criminal cases, it is a sum of money, real property or bail bond that needs to be posted by or on behalf of a defendant to guarantee their appearance in court. The right to reasonable bail is guaranteed to you by the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.

The court system will set the amount of bail required for the defendant’s release. Under state law, a company can provide a “bail bond” that guarantees payment of the full bail amount to the court if the defendant does not show up for all scheduled appearances. These bail bonds are offered by licensed bail service providers. For providing the pre-trial release service, bail service providers charge a premium – a percentage of the total bail amount, typically 10%. For example, for a bail amount set at $20,000, the premium would be about $ $2,000 plus any additional fees required. The bail service provider must charge the premium rate that it has filed with the Department of Insurance and the premium is not refundable once the defendant is released.

A co-signer/guarantor is the person(s) willing to be responsible for the defendant while they are out on bail and who co-assumes financial responsibility, including guarantee of the full bail bond amount.

A bail bond is exonerated when the legal process/trial has finished. It does not matter whether the defendant is found guilty/innocent or if the case has been dismissed. At this point, the bail bond is discharged. However, any unpaid premium, fees or other amounts charged by the bail service provider are still owed.

A forfeiture occurs when a defendant fails to appear in court. If a defendant misses a court date, a bench warrant is issued for their arrest. It is possible in many cases that the bail bond may be “reinstated” by the defendant to report back to the court, which allows the court to set a new trial date for the defendant

A summary judgment is issued by the court if, following a bail bond forfeiture, the deadline for reinstating the bond or returning the defendant to custody has passed. Upon issuance of a summary judgment, the full bail amount must be paid.

This is a process by which a defendant who has failed to appear in court can have their bench warrant removed and the bail bond re-activated or “reinstated” with the court. The defendant will report back to the court which allows the court to set a new court date for the defendant. This proceeding may result in additional fees to the defendant/co-signer.

The amount of the bail is first and foremost within the scope and discretion of the judge or magistrate, with only two general limitations:

1. The purpose of bail is not to penalize or punish the defendant, but only to secure the appearance of the accused, and it should be set with that in mind.
2. Excessive bail, not warranted by the circumstances or the evidence at hand, is not only improper but a violation of constitutional rights. In fixing the amount of the bail, the court takes into consideration the seriousness of the charge, the defendant’s previous criminal record and the probability of the defendant appearing at the trial or hearing.

Additionally, if public safety is an issue, the court may make an inquiry where it may consider allegations of injury to the victim, danger to the public and/or to the defendant, threats to the victim or a witness, the use of a deadly weapon and the defendant’s use or possession of controlled substances. A judge or magistrate setting bail in other than a scheduled or usual amount must state on the record the reasons and address the issue of threats made against a victim or a witness. The court must also consider evidence offered by the detained person regarding ties to the community and ability to post bond. The bail amount set by the court must be within the minimum range amount of bail that would reasonably assure the defendant’s appearance – NOT the maximum! It is important to remember that it is the court magistrate that determines bail amounts.