Many Americans, who are often on the good side of the law, are not too familiar with the bail process. It is a common misconception that posting bail is like getting to stay out of jail by paying for it. While freedom is indeed the idea, it doesn’t automatically mean that a guilty person is not going to end up in prison. Unfortunately, the chance of jail time is still there.
Why Post Bail If It Doesn’t Mean Complete Freedom?
Here is where posting bail makes an impact. For instance, there are bail bonds in Wake County that prepare the arrestee for their future court proceedings. Not only does one get to debrief and organize their plan of action, he or she can also spend precious time with loved ones.
When law enforcement arrests a person for traffic offenses like DWI or DUI, probation violations, or domestic disputes, he or she may end up in jail. Detainment is another possible scenario. Posting bail is a step towards avoiding horrible sentences.
Having the luxury of freedom and time with family and friends is priceless, even if it’s temporary. It can change the mood and even save an arrestee from extended years of jail time.
The Bail Bonds Process
To make it easier for people to understand the bail process, here are some tips:
- Think of bail money as a guarantee that the arrestee will attend his or her scheduled court proceedings.
- When the defendant is present at the scheduled court date, there is a refund of bail bond money. Skipping the court date, on the other hand, results in losing the bail money to court and an issuance of a warrant of arrest.
- A bail hearing is set around two days after the arrest. The hearing concerns the amount of the bail.
- Take note that paying the bail amount can only happen after the hearing.
- There are four ways to pay for bail bonds: cash, secured bail bonds, unsecured bail bond and signature or OR (own recognizance).
It helps to know a bail bondsman because they can provide the amount to the court as soon as possible. Through the bail bondsman, the arrestee can just pay 15 percent of the full bail amount in the meantime.
