how to get out of jail

I Was Arrested, Now What? Here's How to Get out of Jail

January 23, 20255 min read

Whether you saw it coming or it came as a complete surprise, being arrested can be an emotionally draining experience. In fact, there's a good chance that the only thing on your mind is wanting to get home as quickly as possible.

The good news is, that depending on your situation you have some options when it comes to how to get out of jail.

If you or someone you love has recently been arrested and you’re looking to have them released as early on as possible read on for more information.

The earlier you get out the sooner you can begin to discuss the next steps with your lawyer and make any necessary arrangements you may need to with your family.

How to Get Out of Jail as Quickly as Possible

It's important to remember that when it comes to getting out of jail no two situations are entirely alike. For the most part it's up to the judge's discretion on when you can be released and how much it will cost you.

The state in which you were arrested will also play a major role as to whether or not you'll be able to post bail and what that means in terms of how long you'll have to stay there.

Making a Promise

A promise to appear is one of the first requirements that must be met in order to be released from jail.

This is simply an agreement stating that you will be present and on time for your court appearance during which the crime you've been charged with will be reviewed by the court judge.

This will also be the time in which the judge will decide whether or not you'll be convicted of these crimes.

Typically, A promise to appear will be accepted in the event that this is your first conviction and if you don't have a history of previous crimes.

However, if your record shows that you've missed court appearances in the past this option may not be available to you.

Paying a Cash Bond

In the event that a cash bond is ordered, you'll have to pay the entire bail amount in order to be released from jail.

It’s important to remember that cash bonds aren't offered for all crimes, and are typically reserved for small misdemeanors and infractions.

In fact, you will only be looking at a cash bond option if the bail is set at roughly $2,500 or less.

Depending on the state of the crime, you may be required to have a cosigner that will be held responsible in the event that you do not show up to your pending court case.

Dealing with Larger Bonds

In the event that your crime is more severe, there's a good chance you will be facing a larger bond amount. The majority of those arrested with larger bail amounts typically are unable to pay the bail amount in full.

In this case, a friend or family member will need to contact a bail company that will provide at least 15% of the bill, which is usually the minimum for a release to occur.

It's important to remember that this premium is nonrefundable, and that bail bond agent often needs some form of collateral in order to agree to the exchange.

It's also likely that at least one cosigner will be needed in order to confirm the bail loan.

Property Bonds

In the event that it's impossible to receive a loan for the minimum of the bail amount, your last choice may be to look at a property bond.

A property bond is when the individual borrowing the money for bail offers a form of real estate as collateral to ensure that the bail is repaid.

This typically isn't a fast process, it requires a fair amount of red tape to be completed before the bail money is handed over.

The paperwork will note that in the event that you are unable to pay back your bail in the stated amount of time, the bail company will receive ownership of the real estate property

You may be required to show documents such as certified real estate papers that will let the lender know what the current tax value is for your property.

How Long Will I Have to Stay in Jail

How long you'll be waiting in jail will depend on the type of loan that you'll be receiving and how quickly you can pay off the bail amount.

In some more extreme cases, a judge may decide that there is no option for bail at all.

Depending on how severe the crime was, you can expect to spend anywhere from 2 hours to three months in jail while still discussing the subject of your bail.

Having a cosigner or someone that can handle the arrangements of the bail on the outside is the easiest way to have the issue resolved as quickly as possible. 

Getting You Home Where You Belong 

Now that you know how to get out of jail it's important that you find the best bail option for you or your loved one to get home as quickly as possible.

The sooner you get home the easier it will be to get your ducks in a row, and to prepare with your lawyer for a case that will give you the best chance of being found innocent.

If you're not sure where to start, contact us today for more information on our bail services and offerings.

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