When faced with incarceration, some may wonder if it is possible for them to bail themselves out of jail. Depending on the state, the nature of the charges against you, and your financial situation, there may be options available to you that can help you get out before your trial begins. The following information explains how to secure bail from a jail.
Understand How Bail Works
Bail is a set amount of money (determined by the court) that serves as a guarantee that an arrested person will appear in court when their case is scheduled.
If someone posts bail for you, they become known as the ‘bail bondsperson’ – but only certain people are legally able to do this. It’s important that you fully understand how bail works before attempting to post it yourself.
Check if You Are Legally Permitted to Self-Bail
In some states it is illegal for an arrested person to post his or her own bail without the assistance from a certified bondsman. Before attempting to self-bail, make sure that self-bailing is legal in your state and then look into how exactly one goes about self-bailing. The law in some locations may require a certified bondsman regardless of whether or not you have enough funds or assets on hand to pay off the full amount of your bail. As well, filing paperwork related to self-bailing often requires specific forms and fees and laws regarding these processes differ by state.
Figure Out Your Finances
If self-bailing is permitted based on state regulations in your jurisdiction, take stock of your finances and decide if you can afford it – both right now and in the future since paying back any loans necessary for posting bond could be complicated if sentencing takes many months or years due to appeals or delays. Also consider other potential alternatives such as home detention programs so that you do not definitively cut off all other possibilities without exploring which ones might save time and/or money.
Evaluate Your Collateral Security Options
Another option might be using collateral security (such as property titles) instead of cash resources; however, make sure you understand all liabilities involved before taking this approach because forfeiting property via bond default may cost more than cash alone depending on its value relative to total bail amounts required for release from prison — even partially secured bail has similar risks associated with it too since house arresters must reenter custody if they do not attend all scheduled court hearings despite having been released on their own recognizance through submission of initial surety payment(s).
Additionally consider consulting experienced attorneys or local JPA offices who can provide advice concerning which types/amounts must initially satisfy courts’ requirements (and/or specific rules governing insurers who accept such pledges).