Paying Bail: Our Tips for Paying the Cost
So you've been arrested. Things may not be going your way now, but you are certainly not without options. With just a few of these life-saving tips, paying bail can be a smooth and hassle-free process.
Keep reading to learn exactly how to take control of your experience in the criminal justice system and understand the steps involved in securing your release.
What is Bail and How Does it Work?
When you are arrested anywhere in the state of North Carolina, you are legally required to be booked in a local jail. This is where bail comes into play.
Bail is essentially a means of ensuring that an accused person will show up for their court date without the need for holding them in a cell for the months preceding the start of the trial. This system allows those accused to resume their daily life, without the inconvenience of missing work or school.
For minor offenses and misdemeanors, bail is most often set by an algorithm (known as a bond schedule) at the jail. For more serious offenses like assault and manslaughter, judges set the bail amount at an arranged hearing. In both cases, bail is generally set within 48 hours after the arrest and booking.
Bail can be paid by the accused or any third party (like a bail bondsman) immediately after the amount is set, with the release process taking an average of 1-2 hours.
Your Options for Paying Bail
A variety of factors, including criminal history, nature of the offense, and financial resources, are taken into account when determining the bail amount. Once bail has been granted, you generally have four options:
- A Bail Bond: Facilitated by a bail bondsman, this is a form of surety where the bondsman posts the bail in exchange for a non-refundable fee (typically 15% in NC). This is often the most convenient option for most people.
- Pay in Cash: You can post the full amount of the bail in cash. This is less common as it requires the entire amount upfront, which can be financially difficult.
- Release on One's Own Recognizance: This option is free and requires no collateral, but it is largely reserved for individuals with limited criminal histories and minimal flight risk.
- A Property Bond: A useful option if you own substantial personal property. No cash is required down, but if the individual fails to appear, the property can be seized by the state.
Real-Life Application
Being arrested and booked in a local jail can be one of the scariest and most stressful experiences in a person's life. Taking charge of the situation and knowing your options frequently proves to be the deciding factor in a person's ability to successfully pay bail.
Applying whichever option is personally best for you as quickly as possible is often the best means of paying bail and getting out of jail. Don't be a victim of the system—be sure to take advantage of this information and make the right choice for your future.