When you have been accused of a crime that results in your arrest and incarceration, there are a number of ways that you will be able to get out of jail. If you demand that your case go to trial, the judge can order a release on your own recognizance, or set bail. The judge will look at your criminal history, the severity of the crime, and determine the likelihood that you will return to court. If bail is set for your case, there are a number of ways that you can get yourself bailed out. Many people turn to a bail bond company to secure their release while awaiting trial.

Paying for a Bail Bondsman

When you don't have enough cash, and you are struggling with collateral, it's possible to work with a bail bonds company to secure your release. In general, bail bonds companies charge 10% of your total bail as a fee. This means that if your bail is set at $10,000, you will pay the bail bond company $1,000 to get out of jail. You do not get this money back, regardless of whether you show up for your court date or not. 

You can put up jewelry, credit cards, stocks, real estate, and other property as collateral for a bail bond. It's important to understand that your travel to other states may be restricted if you have been released on bail. Talk to your lawyer for more information.

If You Get Arrested Out on a Bail Bond

If your freedom has been guaranteed through a bail bond and you get arrested for another crime, your bond may be surrendered. This means that you will lose the 10% fee you paid to secure your release the first time. To obtain another bond, you will have to come up with another 10% fee that will not return to you after your whole court mess is over.

If you miss your court date, the bond company is responsible for paying the court your entire bail fee. This is where bounty hunters come in. If you skip your court date, the bond company has the right to detain you and bring you back to court. When you don't show up for your court date, the bond company may liquidate any collateral that was put up for your benefit, and you won't be able to get that collateral back.

For more information, talk to a company like Pat's Bonding.