No one wants to get a call in the middle of the night form a loved one who has been arrested. It’s scary and confusing. You may be angry or upset with him for his actions but regardless, you want to help. Should you? If your loved one has done this a lot, is a habitual offender who has called upon you often for this kind of help, should you give it, again? Unfortunately, this is a question that only you can answer.
If you do choose to help get your loved one out of jail, because, let’s face it, jail is a dangerous place where no one wants to be, here’s what you should do:
Remain Calm
It’s a confusing time but you should try to keep a cool head so you can make the right decisions to help your loved one quickly.
Get the Important Details
If your loved one was unable to give the important details to you, you can call the precinct where he was booked or the D.A.’s office should have the information about arraignment. You’ll need to know the date and time of his arraignment and the case number is helpful too.
When you get the information, remember that you’re not giving information. If you truly want to help your loved one, don’t get involved with any questioning because you may say something incriminating or contradictory. If you have something to offer about the case, save it for the defense attorney.
Call a Defense Attorney
A defense attorney can provide legal guidance and possibly get the amount of bail reduced at the arraignment. If the defendant can’t afford an attorney, he can request a public defender at no charge but will have to meet the financial requirements.
Call a Bail Bond Agent
The bail bond agent will charge you a non-refundable 10% premium and will cover the rest. For example, if bail is set at $10,000, the defendant will have to pay 10% of that, $1,000 which will not be returned no matter the outcome of the trial.
If you are putting up that $1,000, you won’t get it back either. Additionally, if you put up money or collateral for the bond and the defendant doesn’t show up for his court dates, you will also be responsible for the other remainder of the bail. If you put up collateral (something of value like a home, auto, or jewelry), it will be sold and the proceeds will be used to cover the bail money. This should be considered carefully before you agree to bail someone out of jail. By doing so, you are taking responsibility for ensuring the defendant shows up in court.
Once Your Loved One Is Out of Jail
Encourage him to stick to any court conditions of bail. These are usually things like not associating with known criminals, not committing and crimes, and possibly participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
Encourage him to continue going to work or get a job if he doesn’t have one. If he can show the court that he is a responsible member of society, it may help him at sentencing.
Make sure that he shows up for court. If you’re the Indemnitor (the one who bailed him out), it’s your responsibility.
Nobody wants their loved one to spend a night in jail. At AAAA Discount Bail Bonds, we can help get them out of jail quickly and quietly. We know it’s a difficult time and our bail bond agents will explain the process and get the ball rolling so your loved one can get out of jail and begin getting his life back on track. Call AAAA Discount Bail Bonds today at (936)539-4444. We’re open 24/7 to help get you or a loved one out of jail.