There are a variety of crimes that may result in a person having to post bail, but some of the most common include:
DUI/DWI – Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated is a serious offense that can result in jail time, steep fines, and the loss of driving privileges.
Violent Crimes – Violent crimes such as assault, battery, robbery, and murder are often considered bailable offenses.
Theft Crimes – Many theft crimes such as shoplifting, burglary, and grand theft auto are also bailable offenses.
Posting bail allows the accused to be released from custody until their court date so they can continue working and meeting other obligations while awaiting trial.
Bail is typically set by a judge at arraignment and must be paid in full before the defendant can be released.
Assault – Assault is the crime of causing someone else to fear for their safety or the safety of others.
Battery – Battery is the crime of physically harming another person, whether it is with fists, a weapon, or some other object.
Robbery – Robbery is the crime of taking something from someone else by force or threat of force.
Burglary – Burglary is the crime of unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime inside.
Grand Theft Auto – Grand theft auto is the crime of stealing a car. This can be anything from joyriding to carjacking.
Shoplifting – Shoplifting is the crime of taking merchandise from a store without paying for it.
How much does it typically cost to post bail?
The cost of bail will vary depending on the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history. Bail for minor offenses may be a few hundred dollars, while bail for more serious crimes can be several thousand dollars. Bail is typically paid in cash, but some bail bonds companies may offer financing options.
What happens if you can’t post bail?
If you are unable to post bail, you will remain in custody until your court date. This can be a significant inconvenience, as it can mean missing work, school, or other important obligations. In some cases, it may even result in the loss of your job. If you are unable to post bail, you should contact a bail bonds company as soon as possible.
What are some of the risks associated with the bail bond process?
There are a few risks associated with the bail bond process, but the most common is the risk of forfeiture.
- Bail forfeiture – Bail forfeiture occurs when the defendant fails to appear for their court date. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as forgetting the court date or being unable to make bail. If the defendant does not appear in court, the bail bond company will be required to pay the full amount of the bail to the court. The company may then attempt to recover the money from the cosigner or indemnitor.
- Bail refund – Bail refunds are typically only given if the case is dismissed or the charges are dropped. If you are found guilty, you will not be entitled to a refund of your bail money.
- Bail collateral – Bail collateral is property that is pledged as security against the bail bond. Bail collateral can be in the form of cash, jewelry, or even real estate. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bail collateral may be forfeited.
- Bail terms and conditions – Must be followed by the defendant in order to avoid forfeiture.
- Bail jumping – This is a felony offense that occurs when a defendant leaves the state or country after posting bail.
Bailing someone out of jail can be a risky proposition, but it is often the best option for those who are unable to post bail themselves.
Bail bond services can help to ease the financial burden of posting bail, and they offer a variety of payment options to fit any budget. Bail bonds companies also offer collateral programs to protect cosigners from loss in the event of forfeiture.
