What happens when you bail someone out?
Wondering what happens when you bail someone out of jail? Then you’ve come to the right place.
There are a few things you should know when you go through the bail process, including:
- The options you have to post bail on behalf of a loved one
- What the defendant is responsible for after posting bail
- What happens to bail money after the court process is complete
Let’s break these down.
How can you post bail?
There are a few different ways you can post bail for a loved one. The two most common ways include paying the bail directly with cash or check OR working with a bail bond company.
If you’re wondering which option is best for you, check out our article on whether or not bail bonds are worth it.
In some situations, the defendant may also be given the opportunity to sign for an Own Recognizance Bond (OR Bond). This does not require a temporary cash payment to the court, but only certain individuals and charges are approved for an OR Bond.
What happens after you post bail?
After you bail someone out of jail, everyone can go home! However, it’s important to remember that the defendant MUST return to jail on the assigned date. If they do not, a warrant for their arrest will be issued and the bail money will NOT be returned.
On top of this, there might be certain conditions that must be maintained by the defendant. For example, the defendant may be required to obey all laws, not partake in drugs, and avoid certain places or people.
What happens after the process is complete?
After the entire court process is complete, bail money will usually be returned back to the person who posted it. This is true whether the defendant is found innocent or guilty.
However, if the defendant is found guilty, certain fees or fines may come out of the total bail amount. If you’re worried this might be the case with you, speak to your lawyer or the court. They’ll have all the information you need.
Need help posting bail? We can help.
At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we have decades of experience helping people in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County post bail. If you have more questions about this process, give us a call or send us a message online.
Interested in learning more about bail bonds? Check out our resources below!