You might encounter a time when you or a friend get arrested. While this isn't a good thing, it happens sometimes. After an arrest, the person will want to find a way out of jail, and paying bail is one of the best options. Unfortunately, you might not understand what this is or how it works; many people don't. But you'll need to learn quickly if you need to use it. Thus, here is a guide to help you understand how a bail bond works.

Basic definition of bail

Bail is a term used by jails and courts to reflect the money a person pays to the jail for their release. The jail must release the person if they pay the required bail money. The amount needed varies but generally depends on three factors: the person's record, the severity of the crime, and the court. The person paying the money can get some of it back in time, but this only occurs if the person follows the bail rules. There are several rules with bail, but the most important is attending court hearings for the charge in question.

Courts set bail

Many people don't understand how courts and jails set bail. The truth is that the courts set the bail rates, and every court sets its own. In other words, every court is independent, which means they can choose the bail schedule. Most courts have schedules they use for charges, but they modify the schedules based on the factors listed above.

Paying the bail releases the person from jail but not the charge

One vital thing to understand is that bail releases a person from jail but not from criminal charges. Bail allows a person to face criminal charges from home, but it doesn't eliminate criminal charges. These are two separate things. Therefore, the person arrested must follow through with the court system procedure. This process requires court hearings and might involve a trial. The person might go back to jail, even after paying the bail, if the court finds them guilty and sentences them to jail time.

Ways to pay the bail money

Finally, you can pay the bail money with cash or a bail bond. A bail bond agent offers bail bonds, which means the agent pays the bail money. To get a bail bond, you pay a fee.

You can contact a bail bond agent if you're interested in buying a bail bond.

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