You receive a call in the middle of the night from a friend or loved one who’s been arrested and they want you to bail them out of jail.  Should you do it?

There are many good reasons to bail someone out of jail:

 

Jail is dangerous.  Aside from the psychological impact, there’s a risk that your friend could get injured or do something that could get them in trouble that may bring additional charges and more jail time.

  1. Your friend can keep his job.  If he’s in jail, he will most likely lose his job.  Being able to keep a job while out on bond will allow your friend to continue to pay bills, keep his home, and take care of his family.  If your friend is found guilty and sentenced to jail time, being out on bond in the meantime may give him the chance to prepare better for that upcoming financial hit and pay fines as well. 
  2. Your friend can get his life back on track.  Everyone makes mistakes.  That’s why pencils have erasers. If your friend is out on bond, he’ll be able to make changes that can get his life back on track and move mistakes into the past where they belong.  Getting his life on track may also influence the court at sentencing because the judge will see that he is making changes for a better future. 
  3. There may be court-appointed rehab.  If your friend or loved one has a drug or alcohol problem that may be contributing to his actions, the court may require that he complete a drug or alcohol treatment program as part of the conditions of bail.  It can be difficult to convince someone they have a dependency problem.  If it’s one of the conditions of bail, they won’t be released until they agree to do it and if they get out on bail and don’t participate in a program, they’ll be sent back to jail. 
  4. Your friend may incriminate himself.  People talk when they’re in jail and your friend may say something about himself or his case that could incriminate him and be used against him in court.  

Considerations

Of course, whether or not to help get a friend or loved one out of jail isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly.  If you put up your money or valuables for collateral, you may lose it all if your friend skips bail.  When you get a bail bond for your friend, you will pay a 10% non-refundable premium and if he skips, you’re responsible for paying the rest of the bail.  Understand that if you are the Indemnitor (the person who pays for the bond), you are responsible for ensuring that your friend shows up for all court appearances.  How much do you trust your friend?

At AAAA Discount Bail Bonds, we can help you through the entire process of obtaining a bond for a friend or loved one so they can get out of jail quickly.  Our expert staff can explain all of your options so you can make the right decision during this difficult time.  Call our dedicated staff anytime at (936)539-4444 for a free consultation or if you have any questions.