For most of us, getting arrested seems unthinkable and scary.
However, it happens. Perhaps you’ve had too much to drink and get behind the wheel of your car. In other cases, you simply make a bad choice and now must face the consequences.
The arrest and court process is daunting, but there is help.
Are you or a loved one facing arrest in Raleigh? Read on for all you need to know about Wake County bail bonds and how to get out of jail and on with your life.
What Happens After the Arrest?
An officer has come to take you into custody, or you’ve been arrested at the site of an alleged crime. What happens next?
First, you’ll be taken to the nearest police station. There, the police will book you. This process includes photos and fingerprinting and sometimes a DNA swab.
If you are at home or work when you are arrested, you can leave your personal property behind. All you will need is identification. The less personal items you have, the faster you’ll be booked
Otherwise, an officer will search your belongings and take all personal property. They will give you a voucher for the items. You can pick them up once you are released from custody.
After you have been formally booked, you will be transferred to the main booking area to be processed for your court appearance. Wake County has the Main Detention Center where many of Raleigh’s arrests are processed. You may find yourself here waiting for your bail to be set.
Wake County has a spreadsheet of bail amounts. Court officials will generally refer to this to set your bail. Once all processing is complete, you will be allowed to call a lawyer, friend, or family member who can help you post bail.
Depending on the condition set by the court, you may have to make a payment before your release. If you can’t afford the payment, you might borrow money from your family or use a bail bond service. In this case, it is important to choose a reputable and licensed service.
Get Out of Jail Free (or Not)
Wake County has set four types of release conditions. Some of them require bail to be posted, but some do not. The condition of your release depends on the severity of the crime and how likely you are to show up for court.
1. Written Promise
This condition requires the defendant to sign paperwork promising to attend their court date. A written promise is used for minor arrests and first offenses. The promise does not require any bail to be posted.
2. Unsecured Bond
An unsecured bond also does not require bail to be posted. The court will set a bail amount, which will only be paid if the accused does not attend the court date.
3. Secured Bond
In the case of a secured bond, bail must be paid before your release. The court has the power to decide between unsecured and secured bonds, and factors include the type of offense and whether they consider you to be a flight risk.
4. Cash-Only Bond
This type of bond must be paid in full and in cash before release. While a secured bond might be posted partially in cash and partially in collateral, this bond must be fully paid in cash. This type of bond is used in cases where there is a large chance that the accused will not adhere to the hearing schedule.
Wake County Bail Bonds
In the cases of the secured bond or cash-only bond conditions, many people will not have the amount on hand to post bail. This is where bail bonds services come in. There are many bail bonds services, so it’s important to know how to choose the most reliable one.
If you’ve been arrested and can’t make bail, you or your family member can contact a bail bonds service. This service will help you post the portion of the secured or cash-only bond that you can’t pay on your own. A bail service will often charge 10-15% of your bail amount for their costs.
What Happens to the Bail Money?
The answer to this question depends on the person who’s been arrested.
If you’ve been arrested and paid bail, it is imperative that you follow the directions of the court. You must appear for any court dates. If you complete your hearings, your bail money will be refunded minus and administrative costs.
On the other hand, you may decide to skip out on your trial. If you do, a warrant will be issued for your re-arrest.
In this case, your bail will also be forfeit to the court. This bail amount will pay for administrative and police costs associated with your case.
If you’ve used a bail service, the bondsman may claim the collateral that you’ve signed for their help. You will forfeit that property until you can repay your debt.
In order for you or your loved one to receive the bail money back, it is imperative for you to attend all court-ordered hearings and processes. Failing to do so can be a costly decision.
Kat Bail Bonds Can Help
Our Wake County bail bonds service is licensed and reliable. We are open for business 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is always someone available to help in the case of your arrest.
If you or a loved one faces this challenging situation, contact us today. We will do everything in our power to help you avoid incarceration or minimize the time spent in jail.