Getting arrested can be a frightening experience. Once you are in jail, your primary focus is likely getting out. Depending on your arrest and the charges, your release may involve posting bail, through which you provide the court with something of value. In exchange, you promise to attend all of your court appearances leading up to your trial. Below, you can learn more about potential release options in the event of an arrest.

A Guide to Release Options After an Arrest

Cash Bail

In this case, the defendant must provide the jail or court with the requested amount in full. The court then holds the money until the individual goes to every one of their court dates until the case is disposed. After the defendant has attended all of their court appearances, the defendant receives the money back in its entirety. The financial obligation acts as an incentive for the defendant to make all of their scheduled appointments. 

Surety Bond

Surety bonds can seem more complicated than cash bail. As such, they are often misunderstood. This release method is a type of insurance policy issued by a  professional Surety Company. 

To begin the process, the Bail Bond Company rationalizes enough valuable assets to accommodate the bond at face value. Then, the defendant is charged a premium of %10. Many surety companies offer financing of the 10% premium if it is more than the defendant can afford all at once.

 If the defendant does not make their court appearances, the surety company must satisfy the forfeiture or return the defendant to the custody of the sheriff in which county the court maintains jurisdiction.

Released on Recognizance

To be released on recognizance means the defendant is released without any financial obligations to return. Though the defendant will not sustain any financial hardship with this release method, they may have to abide by other conditions, such as remaining on house arrest, regularly contacting the court, random drug testing and a myriad of other pre-trial release stipulations

If someone you know has been arrested and needs the services of an experienced bail bondsman, contact Nicholas Bail Bonds in West Plains, Missouri. Their discreet and reliable bail bond services are available 24 hours a day, and they strive to provide personalized service to each client. Call (417) 255-1109 today for a free consultation with one of their team members. You can also visit their website or Facebook to learn more.