Arrested: Should You Post Bail?

Arrested: Should You Post Bail?Getting arrested can be scary and stressful, especially once you realize you’re stuck in jail. The good news is that most offenders are able to get out of jail when they post bail via cash or with a bail bond.

But how do you know if you should be posting bail? Is it the best option for you? What are the drawbacks? We are going to take you through the information you need to make that decision.

What Is Bail?

Bail is when you are temporarily released from custody while you await your trial. In order to make bail, you must pay a fee that is set by a judge that varies based on the severity of your crime, your criminal record, and your standing in the community.

Should You Post Bail?

Now that you know what bail is, let’s look at some of the reasons why you would, or would not, post bail.

Freedom

The first, and probably most obvious, reason why you would post bail is that you would be free. Not posting bail would mean you stay in jail until your trial, which means you wouldn’t be able to make any money or support your family.

You wouldn’t be forced to spend any more time in jail if you posted bail. You could go home and see your family and more easily meet with your lawyers. You can even go back to work if you’re able.

Preparation

Posting bail also allows you to prepare for your upcoming trial, whether that means easily meeting with legal help or showing that you’re an upstanding member of the community through your work, volunteering, or community service.

Medical Needs

If you have specific medical needs, physical or mental, then it’s a good idea to post bail. You probably won’t get the care you need while in jail. If this is a significant risk to your health, posting bail is essential.

Expense

The main drawback of posting bail is the expense. You could be looking at thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of dollars that you might not have.

The good news is you don’t have to have all of that money in cash. You can go through a reputable bail bondsman in order to get the money to post your bail. Bail bondsman make it quick and easy to get a bail bond, so you can get out of jail and get back to focusing on your trial and your life.

Some bail bonds businesses offer payment plans to make paying it back easier.

Wrapping Up

Just because you’ve been arrested doesn’t mean that you have to sit in jail until your court date or your trial. Posting bail can get you out of jail and back on your feet after an arrest.

After posting bail, you’ll be free to prepare for your trial, meet with your lawyers, and spend time with your loved ones. All of this can be crucial for the outcome of your trial as well as for your mental health.

If you need help posting bail for yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us.