When someone is charged with a crime, what follows is an arrest. One major fear and source of stress for an arrestee is how to be released from police custody. In most cases, they will have the bail options to be released on bail. A judge usually sets bail. It is the amount of money the arrestee must pledge to guarantee that they will appear in court once the time comes. The arrestee has to post bail or have a bail bonds company do it on their behalf before they can be released from custody.

The different types of bail options when arrested 

Cash bail

A cash bail or bond is the most common type. The judge sets a certain amount as bail, which the defendant or their relative must pay in full before they get released. The money is refunded to the defendant once the case settles. But they must never miss a court hearing during the trial. If they attend all their hearings, they get a refund, regardless of the case’s outcome. The judge can set this type of bail for any case. Cash bail during an extradition process is also possible. But they are often huge sums. Not everyone can afford cash bonds. Bail Bond’s services exist for this reason.

Surety bail

Surety bail is the common alternative for arrestees who can not afford the specified cash bail. This system involves getting a bail bond person to sign the agreement on your behalf. This bail bonds person becomes responsible for ensuring the arrestee appears for all their court hearings. If they do not appear in court, the bail bond agent must pay the court the agreed sum. To avoid the debt, the bail bondsman sends a bounty hunter to capture the arrestee and bring them to court.

Release On Recognizance (ROR)

A judge can allow an arrestee to be released without posting bail. But they will have to sign a written undertaking to appear in court for their trial. This type of bail is called ROR (Release on Recognizance). The judge considers several factors before granting such bail. These factors are the arrestee’s criminal record, ties to the community, and employment. Only some arrestees can get a ROR.

Property bail

Instead of cash, a property is pledged to the court to secure the arrestee’s release. A land or house is a good property bond in this case. The property’s value must not be lower than the bail value set by the judge. The arrestee can lose their property if they miss their court appearance.

Being arrested can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. It is important to know the common bail options available. Cash, surety, property, and ROR are common types of bail, although there are others. Contacting an experienced lawyer for advice and legal representation is also important. They will provide valuable guidance on quickly securing bail. And they will advise you on the case and the next steps.