How does bail work?

When you are charged with a crime, usually there is a bail amount set. If you do not post bail, you will typically remain in custody at least until your first court date. If you do post cash bail, you are released and the court holds the bail amount to assure your appearance in court. At the conclusion of the case, the bail is discharged and returned to you or whoever posted it. If the bail amount is more than you can afford, you can arrange to have a bail bond posted by a bondsman. Bail bonds work differently than cash bail. You pay a fee to the bondsman, typically 10% of the total bail amount, and you are then released on bond. The bondsman may also ask for collateral. At the conclusion of your case the bond is discharged and any collateral is released, but you do not receive any money back from the bondsman. The money you paid to the bondsman is basically the fee they earn for posting your bond. A couple of local bail bond companies I frequently refer people to are A-1 Bonding and Wanna Get Out Bail Bonds. If you expect that you will be charged with a crime, I can assist in the charging process and can coordinate with the bail bond company so that you won't spend any more time than necessary in custody. Sometimes its only a matter of 15-20 minutes and you can be processed and released.