If you ever find yourself in jail or if a family member or friend ends up in jail, there are several legal ways to make it back to the free world. Let’s take a look at four ways to get out of jail.
Pay Bail With A Cash Or Check
If you have enough money to pay your bail, you can get out of jail. This money is paid to the court in return for your pledge to show up to court when ordered. As long as you show up to your court date on time, your bail money will be returned. If you do not show up for your designated court appointment, the court will keep your money, will probably issue a warrant for your arrest and you will be sent right back to jail.
Provide Property Worth The Full Amount Of The Bail
If you can’t scrounge up enough money to pay bail, it is possible to submit property that is of equal value. This process involves signing over property rights to a piece of property that will substitute for the bail’s payment.
A Bond: Guaranteed Payment Of The Full Bail Amount
A bond is the promise to appear in court at the designated time. If you give a bond and don’t fulfill it, you must pay the bail’s full amount. Yet many defendants are required to purchase a bail bond to be released from a jail cell. In general, the cost of a bond is around 10 percent of the bail value.
If you follow through on your promise to appear in court, the entire value of your bail will be returned, save for some minor court administrative fees. The downside to buying a bail bond is that you lose 10 percent of the bail amount. In most instances, this money will not be refunded. You might even have to provide the bail bondsman with collateral to obtain the bond. Collateral usually takes the form of an interest in something of considerable value like a car.
A Waiver Of Payment
A waiver of payment can be granted if you agree to appear in court at the designated time. This means of exiting jail is often referred to as being released on one’s own recognizance. If you have the option of being released on your own recognizance, take it. It is generally the best way to get out of jail.
Do not panic if you are put in jail. Ally with one of our criminal defense attorneys and we will zealously advocate on your behalf every step of the way. Contact Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. in Amarillo to learn more about how we can help.