When you’re facing criminal charges and possible jail time, bail could be a valuable resource. Court cases often drag on for weeks at a time. If you want to continue living at home and working during that time, making bail is the best option.
What Is Bail?
Bail is the amount of money that you pay the court to stay out of jail. This acts as a guarantee that you will attend your court appointments as assigned. In many cases, bail is a high amount that you may not be able to pay.
How Is the Bail Amount Established?
The judge presiding over your case sets the bail amount. However, in many cases, the amount of bail is already set. There may be a poster that lists the amount you can expect for specific criminal activities.
What Are Bail Bonds?
Bail bonds are provided by a bail bonding Lincoln County agency. The agency pays the full amount, and you pay fees and a percentage. If you abide by the terms of the court, the agency will be repaid by the court. If you don’t attend your court dates or otherwise violate the terms of the bail, you will be responsible for the entire amount.
This process is easier to understand with an example. John Doe gets arrested. The court sets bail at $20,000. John Doe can’t pay this. Instead, he contacts a bail bond agency and provides collateral. The agency pays the court $20,000, and Mr. Doe is allowed to return home.
What Is Collateral?
Although the bail bond agency is willing to provide the necessary bail amount to the court, you must provide some security to the agency. Collateral could be the title to your home or your vehicle. It could be family heirlooms or other property that is valuable.
As long as you comply with the terms established by the court, you and the bail bond agency will have a cooperative relationship that helps you stay out of jail. This means you can keep your job and continue to enjoy the companionship of family and friends.