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Having a family member or close friend being arrested and thrown in jail can cause a lot of anxiety. As such, most people are willing to do whatever it takes to free their loved ones. Usually, the only option is to post bail and wait for the justice system to take its course.
However, besides the bits of information gathered from TV shows (some of which may be inaccurate), most people have no idea how to go about bailing someone out of jail. This is, after all, not something anyone would expect to ever worry about.
However, considering that even a person arrested falsely still needs to be bailed out of jail until they get a chance to clear their name in court, it is important to be prepared. The Texas bail process is not that complicated, meaning anyone can bail out their loved one in just a few steps.
In case any complications do arise, it pays to have a good lawyer on speed dial ready to take the case. Sparks Law Firm can be reached for a free consultation today. We can also help with questions like What is a bail schedule?
How Long Does It Take to Bail Someone Out of Jail?
Before getting into the actual bail process, it is important to look at some of the things that a person can expect when bailing someone out of jail. While the bail amount is a very important consideration, what most people are eager to know is how long it will take to get their loved one out of jail.
In most states, the justice system is designed to bring an arrested person before a judge in around 48 to 72 hours. What this means is that a person can easily find themselves languishing for three days behind bars before even receiving a court date.
This waiting period is also affected by how busy the jail is at that time. Also, if a person is arrested on a Friday or at the start of a public holiday, they may end up having to wait longer than they anticipated.
The Bail Bond Process: Six Easy Steps
As soon as they are told the bail amount as determined by a bail schedule or judge, the parties trying to free their family or friend can begin the process, which usually involves the following steps:
1. Find a Licensed Bail Bondsman
Bail bonds can be used as a way to post bail even when someone does not have enough money to cover the entire amount. As such, the first step in most cases is to look for a licensed bail bondsman.
To make it easier to bail someone out of jail at any time, a good bail bonds company will usually have a 24-hour service. If there is a bail schedule available, the suspect can be released from jail as soon as the cash bond amount has been paid to the county without having to wait for a judge the next morning.
2. Provide Essential Information
To initiate the bail bond services, some specific information about the case will be needed, such as the bail amount, the name of the arrested person, and the county jail in which they are being held.
3. Fill Out the Paperwork
A good bail bond company will always provide the person posting bail with some paperwork that they need to sign. Here, the most important things to agree on are the bond application and the terms of the bond. These may differ based on specific circumstances surrounding the case.
4. Pay the Bail Bond
Once the paperwork is signed, it will be time to pay the bail amount. When using bail bonds, this will usually be a percentage of the entire amount of money required. If working with a reputable bail bond services provider, the person posting bail can use a wide range of payment methods.
5. Post Bail
After the bail amount has been paid, the bail bonds company will complete the rest of the process by bailing out the defendant. This process should not usually take more than a few hours, but it can vary depending on the county.
6. Suspect Is Released From Jail
Once all other steps have been completed, the suspect will be released from custody after being informed of the court date they are supposed to return.
Common Types of Bonds
Depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the financial status of the person paying the bail amount, the type of bond that is used may vary. The following are some of the most common options:
Cash bonds
Property bond
Surety bonds
Attorney bonds
Personal recognizance bonds
Besides a cash bond, other options can be used when someone does not have enough funds to cover the bail determined by the courts. Property bonds require using the equity on their home or other valuable assets they may have to secure the defendant's release. For more information, a criminal defense attorney may be able to help.
A personal recognizance bond means the defendant attends regular scheduled meetings at a bond office on their own recognizance until their trial date.
If the defendant fails to honor their court appearances, it will result in bail forfeiture, meaning whoever paid the bond will stand to lose a lot of money.
Does Posting Bail Have an Age Limit?
Yes, in Texas, only an adult with a valid identification document can bail someone out of jail. This excludes anyone less than 18 years old.
What Happens If a Defendant Flees?
One of the most important conditions of a bail agreement (besides showing up for the next court hearing) is that the defendant is not allowed to travel out of town without notifying the court.
If this happens, the suspect may be deemed to have been fleeing, which would mean they can be arrested and taken to jail. They may also lose the bail bond amount they posted.
Need Help With a Bail Bond Agreement? Call Sparks Law Firm
Bail bonds are usually the best way to secure the release from jail of a friend or family member without them having to spend a lot of time in jail. The bail bond process in Texas is straightforward, especially with the help of a good defense attorney.
Anyone thinking of getting a loved one released from jail by paying a bail bond or going for a bail hearing can contact Sparks Law Firm today and get help from some of the best lawyers in Fort Worth, Texas.
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