Why is bail so expensive?

When you or a loved one is facing jail time, the first order of business is to get them out of jail as soon as possible. But to get them out of jail, you’ll first have to post bail.

But of course, bail can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Because of this, many people are left wondering, “Why is bail so expensive and how can I get help with bail?”

Let’s break down the answers to these questions.

Why is bail so expensive?

The cost of bail can be a shock to those facing criminal charges, and the question, “Why is bail so expensive?” is a common one. Part of the answer lies in the legal system’s desire to ensure that defendants show up for their court dates.

When someone is released on bail, a financial stake is put up as collateral to guarantee that they will appear in court. If they fail to appear, that money is forfeit. That being said, the amount of bail must be high enough to encourage compliance. This means the amount set should also differ based on the defendants financial well-being.

Additionally, the severity of the charges a defendant faces can play a major role in setting bail. The more serious the charges, the higher the bail amount tends to be. This is typically true for cases involving phsycial assualt and murder.

Ultimately, the decision to set a high or low bail amount is up to the judge.

What should you do if you can’t afford bail?

If you find yourself unable to pay the high cost of bail, there are a few options available to you.

That being said, the most common option is to contact a bail bondsman who can post bail on your behalf. This is typically done in exchange for a fee (usually 10% of the total bail amount). This fee is non-refundalbe; however, it can be a lifesaver for those who can’t afford to pay the full bail amount upfront.

By working with a reputable bail bond company, you can regain your freedom and have peace of mind knowing that you have a team of legal professionals by your side. Don’t let a lack of funds keep you or your loved one behind bars.

Keep Reading: What happens to bail money if charges are dropped?

How does the bail bond process work?

A bail bond is essentially an agreement between the defendant, a bail bond agency, and the court that allows the defendant to be released from jail until their scheduled court date. The defendant or their loved ones pay a percentage of the bail amount to the bail bond agency, who then pays the full bail amount to the court in exchange for the defendant’s release.

The defendant is required to attend all court dates and follow any other conditions set by the court. If the defendant fails to appear in court or does not follow the court’s conditions, the bail will be revoked and the defendant could be sent back to jail.

To learn more about the bail bond process, check out these additional resources:

When it comes to posting bail, it’s important to know your options. By contacting a bail bondsman, you can get much-needed help during such a difficult time.