How Bail Works
At Bail City Bail Bonds, our agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We take the time to explain every step of the bail bonds process and make it as simple and easy as possible. Our bail bondsmen work quickly to get your loved one released from jail.
What Is Bail?
Bail is money held by the court in exchange for releasing a person arrested for a crime from jail. The court holds that money until all legal proceedings and the trial are complete. The purpose is to help ensure defendants will show up for their court dates so the bail can be recovered. Criminal trials can start weeks or months after an arrest. Without bail, many people would have to remain in jail until trial.
What Happens When Someone Is Arrested?
When a person is arrested, he or she is taken to a police station for booking. Police officers:
- Record information about the suspect
- Conduct a criminal background check
- Take fingerprints and a mug shot
- Seize and inventory the suspect’s personal property
- Allow the suspect to make a phone call
After that, the person who was arrested is placed in a jail cell, usually with other suspects who have been recently booked.
When Can Bail Be Posted?
In some cases, for less serious crimes, suspects may be allowed to post bail immediately after they are booked. In many cases, however, suspects must wait in jail for a bail hearing. This hearing is usually held in less than 48 hours after booking. At the bail hearing, the judge decides whether the accused person is eligible for bail and how much it will be.
Often, the amount of bail is more than the accused can afford. In that case, a friend or relative can contact a bail bondsman to obtain a bail bond – a surety bond backed by an insurance company that pledges the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. In return, bail agents charge their clients a 10% premium.
Contact Bail City Bail Bonds at (855) 967-5977 for superior bail bond service with a personal touch.
