Being arrested can be a frightening experience. After being taken into custody and having your rights read to you, you may be wondering if there’s a way out other than having someone else pay bail. The answer is yes—you can self-bail out of jail. This process varies by state and county, but it’s usually much simpler than you might expect.
This post will discuss the different aspects of self-bailing out of jail in California, and what you need to know before attempting it.
Bail: What It Is & How It Works
In the legal world, bail is the money or property that an arrested person gives to a court to ensure they will appear for trial. If the defendant fails to show up, they forfeit their bail and may be subject to additional penalties, like being issued a warrant for their arrest.
To set bail, a judge will consider factors like the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether they are likely to flee. Bail can range from a few hundred dollars to several million dollars. In some cases, defendants may be released on their recognizance, which means they do not have to post bail as long as they agree to certain conditions, like appearing for all court dates.
When it comes to bailing yourself out of jail, a few different options are available. You can pay cash directly to the court, which will be returned to you once your case is resolved. You can also use a California bail bond company to post bail on your behalf for a non-refundable fee (this can vary, but is usually around 10% of the total bail amount). You can also put up collateral like property or jewelry if you don’t have cash readily available.
Once your case is over and you’ve fulfilled all your obligations, your bail will be returned to you, minus any fees charged.
The Pros & Cons of Bailing Yourself Out of Jail
Before bailing yourself or a loved one out of jail, there are a few things to consider:
Pros:
- You save money on bail bond fees.
- You don’t have to rely on anyone else to get you out of jail.
- You may be able to get out of jail faster.
Cons:
- You risk being unable to come up with the full amount of bail money.
- If you miss your court date, you will forfeit the bail money and a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
- You may not be familiar with the process and paperwork required.
How to Bail Yourself Out of Jail
If you are ever unfortunate enough to find yourself in jail, there is a way to get out without having to wait for bail. You can bail yourself out of jail by posting a bail bond. A bail bond is simply a written promise to appear in court on a certain date and time. You can obtain a bail bond at almost any bonding company or through some insurance companies. The cost of the bond will depend on the charges against you and your criminal history.
If you do not have the money to post bail, options are still available. You can contact a friend or family member who may be willing to help you out. Additionally, many organizations offer assistance with bail bonds. These organizations usually require that you meet certain criteria before they will help you, such as being employed or having a co-signer.
Talk to Dan
Bailing yourself out of jail can be a daunting and confusing process. It’s important to understand the different types of bail bonds and how they work before you make any decisions. If you are ever in need of assistance during this process, it is best to consult with an experienced bail bondsman like Dan. With more than 20 years of experience and a commitment to going above and beyond for his clients, Dan can help guide you in the right direction. With his help and your knowledge about this subject matter, you will have a better chance at successfully bailing yourself out of jail.
Call (888) 773-8037 any time, day or night, to get bail bond help in Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Banning, Rancho Cucamonga, Orange County, or anywhere in California.