How Do I Post Bail for My Loved One?

Getting a call from a loved one who has been arrested is some of the worst news a person can receive. A thousand questions may run through a person's mind, but the first priority is getting their loved one out of jail and back with family. For most offenses, a person will be released when they post bail. Here are the steps that need to be taken in that process.

Gather the Information 

If the arrestee calls, find out where they are being held and what their booking status is. If the person doesn't call or doesn't know all the information, use the court or law enforcement agency's website to search for real-time information on arrests. Figure out where they are being held and how long it will take for them to be processed. In some cases, they may have to wait for a first appearance to set bail, but many crimes have pre-determined bail amounts. With the information on where they are being held and the bail amount, it's time to post bail.

Contact a Bail Bondsman

Bail is essentially a deposit that the court holds as surety that the person will show up for later hearings. While the amounts vary, bail is generally more than most people can afford on their own. For those who don't have thousands of dollars on hand to post bail themselves, a bail bondsman can put up the money in exchange for a non-refundable fee of 10 percent of the bail amount. If bail is $10,000, for example, it will cost $1,000 to have a bondsman post bail and get them out.

Arrange a Ride and a Rest

After posting bail, or after a person is released on their own recognizance, they will need a ride from jail. Getting arrested and sitting in jail, with nothing but time on their hands and anxiety on their minds, is a shaking experience for anyone. Seeing the face of a loved one and being taken somewhere safe to rest is something that will be greatly appreciated.

Have more questions about posting bail or how bail works in general? Check out our Bail Bonds 101 guide or see frequently asked questions from others who have been through this. For help reuniting with a loved one, A Wesley Chapel Bail Bonds LLC is here for you. We can guide you through the entire process and make this difficult time as easy as possible on you. We are available 24/7. Call us at 813-973-4444 to get your loved one out of jail now.