When you’ve been arrested, your first concern is probably how to avoid spending one more minute in jail than absolutely necessary. Of course, you’ve probably heard about posting bail on TV shows and movies, but knowing how to go about securing your freedom is another matter. The tips below will help you post bail, so you can get back home where you belong.

A Quick Guide to Posting Bail

1. Determine Your Bail Amount

For some minor offenses, many states and counties have a pre-established bail schedule, which can dramatically speed up the process. All you have to do is pay the listed amount or have someone pay it for you, and you’re free to go. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for a hearing. In Minnesota, the police have to take you before a judge within 48 hours—unless you’re arrested on a Friday, in which case you could spend all weekend in jail.

2. Post Bail

If you have the cash on hand when you’re arrested, you can simply hand it over and walk out of jail, confident you’ll get it back when your case is over. However, most people don’t walk around with that kind of money in their pockets, in which case you’ll either have to have a friend or family member post bail for you.

3. Hire a Bail Bond Agency

When you don’t have the money around to post bail, a bondsman will do it for you—usually for a nonrefundable fee of 10%. For instance, if your bail was set at $4,000, you might have to pay $400. Normally, a friend or family member will arrange the bail bond for you, but in some cases, you might be able to work with a bail bond agency from jail.

If you find yourself behind bars, the agents at AnyTime Bail Bonds are ready to secure your freedom 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They’ve developed a streamlined process that’s designed to help arrested people throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, areas get out of jail as quickly as possible. Visit their website to learn more about how to post bail, follow their Twitter page for updates and news, or call (612) 926-8688 to speak with an agent.