Be In The Know After A Loved One's Arrest
No one wants to get a phone call from jail. When you do, a loved one is likely counting on you to help them get out of jail. Sometimes, understanding what is happening with your loved one while you work on their bail can be helpful. Read on and learn more about what to expect after that phone call comes.
Booked and Held
Once at the jail, your loved one will be photographed, searched, fingerprinted, and provided with a change of clothes. Each county and city has its own way of doing things. You can find out where your loved one is being held by phoning the city or county jail in your area. You will need that information for the bail bonding company.
The Arraignment
Also called a bail hearing in some cases, this event is your loved one's first appearance before the judge. First, your loved one will be officially informed of the charges. This is also when your loved one finds out whether on not they qualify for bail and the amount of the bail. Finally, your loved one will be asked to enter a plea — either guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In most cases, a not-guilty plea is considered a wise choice for the time being.
Time to Help Your Loved One
Don't get too stressed out about the amount of bail when you phone the jail. Your loved one can be bonded out of jail by paying a mere fraction of that amount if you go through a bail bond agency. Here is what you need to know about bail bonds before you help your loved one attain freedom:
- Bail is a promise to return for future court dates. Many times, conditions like agreeing to stay in the area or state, avoiding contact with alleged victims or known felons, not possessing a firearm, and not getting arrested again must be met as well.
- A bail bond can be arranged by speaking with a bonding agent, often located near the jail or courthouse. Once you provide them with what you know about your loved one's arrest, you will find out how affordable the bail bond may be.
- Bail bond agencies usually accept cash and money orders and some take plastic too. In some cases, you can also use property rather than cash to cover the bail bond.
To find out more, speak to a local, helpful, and friendly bail bond agent right away.
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