Bail is a way for those arrested to get out of jail. Bail may seem simple, but there's a lot more to it than some think. If you aren't careful, you can end up back where you started – in jail. Read on to find out more.

How Bail Works for Most

Unless the crime is very serious, bail is usually offered. Since it means being let out of jail, bail is a means to keep the jails from getting progressively more overcrowded. Bail is a payment of a sum of money but that is far from all that is needed. You can also be released from jail by making an agreement with a bail bonding agency. The bail bonding agency will accept a percentage of the full bail and gain the release of a defendant instead of a defendant having to pay the often-expensive bail prices charged by the courts.

Common Bail Conditions

Bail conditions may be common or specific to the actual crime to which the defendant is charged. For example, those bailed out after being charged with domestic violence may have a no-contact order as part of the bail conditions. Other common conditions include not being arrested again, staying away from known felons, and not carrying weapons. By far, however, the most important bail condition to know about is a promise to appear on upcoming court dates.

A Warrant Issued from the Bench

When a defendant fails to show up for a court date, an entirely new set of negative events is set in motion. In most cases, the defendant is charged with failure to appear and the judge issues a bench warrant. That means a warrant with instruction to arrest the defendant is entered into the criminal computer system accessed by law enforcement. Regardless of whether law enforcement prioritizes the arrest and visits the defendant at home or work or they perform the arrest as part of a routine warrant sweep, the defendant will eventually be located and brought back to jail.

Bail Bonding and Bail Revocations

Another action occurring simultaneously to the above is the revocation of the bail. Depending on the state, some bail agents have arresting powers. Even those that do not will expect the full price of the bail to be paid and for the defendant to surrender to law enforcement. To avoid "jumping" bail and suffering from a revocation, be sure to follow all conditions and, most importantly, show up for court. To find out more about bail bonds and bail revocations, speak to bail bonding agent in your city.

Share