Cash Bail: What Is It And How Does It Work?

When a person is arrested and taken into custody, one of the first decisions that must be made is whether or not to release the individual on bail. If the accused can afford to post bail, they will be released from custody while their case makes its way through the court system. But what is bail, and how does it work? 

In this article, we will discuss what is cash bail and how it helps ensure that defendants show up for their court appearances.

What Is Cash Bill?

Cash bail is money that an arrestee must pay in order to be released from jail while awaiting their court date. The purpose of cash bail is to ensure that the accused will return for their scheduled court appearance. 

How Does Cash Bail Work?

When a person is arrested, they will be taken to the police station and booked. During booking, the arresting officer will determine if the arrestee should be held in custody or released on bail. 

If the officer believes that the arrestee is a flight risk or poses a danger to society, they will recommend that the judge set a high bail amount. If the arrestee is deemed not to be a flight risk and poses no danger to society, the officer will recommend that they be released on their own recognizance. 

Once the bail amount is set, the arrestee can then post bail and be released from custody. They can do this by either paying the full amount in cash or by using a bail bond company. 

If the arrestee does not have the money to post bail, they can contact a bail bond company. The bail bond company will then post the bail on their behalf. In return, the arrestee will pay the bail bond company a non-refundable fee (usually around ten percent of the total bail amount). 

Once the bail is posted, the arrestee will be released from custody and given a date to appear in court. If they fail to appear in court, the bail will be forfeited and a warrant will be issued for their arrest. 

FAQ : 

Q: Do I have to go through a bail bond company if I don't have the money to post bail? 

A: No, you can always contact a friend or family member to help you post bail. 

Q: How do I know if the bail bond company is reputable? 

A: You can check with the Better Business Bureau or your local Chamber of Commerce. You can also ask for referrals from friends or family members who have used a bail bond company in the past. 

Q: What happens if I miss my court date? 

A: If you fail to appear in court, the bail will be forfeited and a warrant will be issued for your arrest. 

Q: Will I get my money back if I show up for my court date? 

A: No, the bail bond company will keep the premium (usually around ten percent of the bail amount). 

Q: What happens if I can't pay the bail bond company? 

A: If you can't pay, the bail agent has the right to come after you and your cosigners for payment. This is called "bail enforcement" or "bounty hunting." The bail agent may even hire a bounty hunter to find you. 

Conclusion: 

We would like to conclude by saying that if you are arrested, do not despair. There are options available to you, and we at 24 Hour Bail Bonds are here to help. We will work with you to come up with a payment plan that suits your needs, and we will do everything we can to get you out of jail as quickly as possible.