If you or a loved one have been arrested, you’ll likely be offered the opportunity to leave the jail until your trial by posting bail. The amounts vary according to the alleged crime and your circumstances, and not all families are prepared to post bail on short notice, so there are a number of ways this process can be handled. Here are your main options if you find yourself in this situation.

The Methods of Posting Bail

1. Release on Citation

For very minor offenses, you may not be sent to jail or have a bail amount set at all. Instead, you will be issued a ticket and a court date. An arrest will only become a possibility if you miss your date.

2. Release on Recognizance

Bail is generally based on a judge’s assessment of the risk that a suspect will flee before trial. If the judge thinks the risk is very low in your case, they may opt not to require bail at all, but to release you on recognizance—that is, based on your promise that you will return for your trial.

3. Cash

If the bail amount is low enough, and you or a family member have cash on hand, you can pay the full amount of bail outright. Using this method, you’ll receive the entire bail amount back after the trial, making it an ideal choice if it is possible for your family.

4. Bail Bond Company

If the amount of the bail is greater than the amount of cash you can put together, you’ll want to approach a bail bondsman for help. For a nonrefundable fee—often 10% of the bail amount—they will post the full bail. However, they may collect from you if you miss your court date.

If you’re having difficulty posting bail, Godfrey Bonding in Canton, GA provides options. This established bail bond company is the oldest in Cherokee County and is available 24/7 to help you and your family out of a difficult situation. To discuss your case, call (770) 479-5230 or visit them online for answers to common questions.