How the bail procedure works
There are very few activities in life, if any, more terrifying than the sound of steel bars slamming behind you. Being incarcerated for any period is enough to make any rational person go crazy. But the legal system has a way for any person to find their freedom until their trial date.
And that is through the bail bond procedure. If you have ever been arrested and are seeking your freedom, there is a good chance that you will have questions about how the procedure works. Here is the information you need to know to get the bond secured and yourself or a loved one out of jail.
The first steps in the process
- An arrest has been made. The arrestee (defendant) will be taken to the local jail, where he or she will be processed and put behind bars. The defendant will stay in jail until appearing before a judge who sets a bond amount — note that not all charges require an individual to go before a judge.
- A bond is a financial guarantee that the defendant will appear for all court appearances until the case concludes or is dismissed. The bail amount set by the judge depends on the crime committed. The cosigner will need to secure the money for release. On average, the amount of the bond may be in the thousands.
- For example, if the judge sets a $10,000 bond, the defendant or cosigner will need to pay $10,000 in full to the jail — or seek the services of a professional bail bonding company.
- Most people don't have that kind of money on hand. Bail bonds are the answer for those who are not able to pay the bond in full.
- The bail bonding company secures the bail with the Sheriff by charging the defendant a percentage of the bond for their release.
Obtaining a bond
- In most cases, a cosigner is needed to secure the bond. This person knows the defendant well enough to guarantee they will show up to scheduled court appearances.
- Upon payment of the necessary percentage, the bail bonding company immediately processes the required documents to the jail for the release of the defendant.
- In many cases the defendant is released the same day; however, this depends on the time of day as well as the workload of the jail.
- At FREEDOM FIRST BAIL BONDS, we understand the importance and urgency of reuniting families. If you or a loved one needs our services, we are here for you 24 hours a day at (800) 555-0136.
Why choose FREEDOM FIRST
- An excellent reputation. We've earned trust among the community, judges, sheriffs, and attorneys. We know sometimes bad things happen to good people.
- Passionate professional agents. Our team is committed to providing the best service possible to you and your loved ones.
- Creative financing options, because no one budgets for the arrest of a family member or friend.
- Speed is our #1 priority — getting you or your loved one out of jail as fast as possible.
- Our name says it all. It's the phrase released defendants express every single day…
"Freedom, First."