Steps to Take When You Can’t Afford Bail

Getting arrested is stressful enough — but not being able to afford bail can make things feel impossible. If you or a loved one is stuck in jail because bail is out of reach, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to get help and explore your options.

1. Understand What Bail Means

Bail is the amount of money set by the court to ensure that someone returns for their scheduled hearings. It’s not a fine or a punishment — it’s a guarantee. If you can’t pay the full amount, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.

2. Contact a Bail Bondsman

This is where companies like Cowboy Bail Bonds come in. Instead of paying the full bail amount yourself, you can pay a small percentage (usually around 10%), and a bail bondsman will post the full bail on your behalf.

This is often the fastest and most affordable way to get someone released.

3. Ask About Payment Plans

If even the 10% bond fee feels like too much, ask the bail company if they offer payment plans. At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we understand that emergencies don’t always line up with your paycheck — so we work with families to create flexible, realistic payment options.

4. Talk to a Public Defender or Attorney

In some cases, your attorney may be able to request a bail reduction hearing. If your bail was set too high for a minor offense or if you have strong ties to the community, the judge may agree to lower the amount or grant a release on your own recognizance (OR).

5. Know Your Rights

In California, bail cannot be used as a form of punishment. If the amount seems unusually high or unfair, your legal team may have grounds to challenge it. Judges must consider ability to pay as part of the bail-setting process.

6. Consider Pretrial Services or Supervised Release

Some counties offer alternatives to bail, especially for nonviolent offenders. This could include electronic monitoring, check-ins with a pretrial officer, or other supervised release programs. These options vary by location but can be discussed with your attorney.

7. Avoid High-Risk Lenders

Desperate situations can lead people to take out risky payday loans or borrow from predatory lenders. Always exhaust safer options first — including reaching out to a trusted bail agent — before turning to high-interest or risky financing sources.