How Bail Works
Someone you care about sits in a cell and you have questions. This page covers each step from arrest to the last court date, and what a bail bondsman does in between.
What Is Bail?
Bail is money the court holds so a defendant can leave jail before trial. The defendant gets it back by showing up to court.
A judge picks the amount after looking at the charges, past record, and ties to the community.
Once out, the defendant can go back to work, care for family, and meet with a lawyer.
The Bail Process: Step by Step
Arrest
Police arrest the person and take them to the county jail.
Booking
Jail staff take fingerprints and a photo and enter the charges.
Bail Is Set
A judge sets the bail amount, or the jail uses a set schedule for the charge.
Bail Bond
You pay a bail bondsman a fee, usually 5 to 10% of the bail. The bondsman posts a surety bond that promises the court the defendant will show up.
Release
The jail releases the defendant after it processes the bond. Each jail works at its own pace.
Court Appearances
The defendant goes to each court date. The bond stays in place until the case ends.
Why Use a Bail Bond Instead of Paying Cash?
Cash Bail
You pay the full bail amount to the court. The court refunds it, minus fees, after the case ends if the defendant made each court date. On a $20,000 bail, that ties up $20,000 for months.
Bail Bond
You pay a bail bondsman a fee of 5 to 10% of the bail. The bondsman posts a bond for the full amount. On a $20,000 bail, you pay $1,000 to $2,000 and don't get it back.
Bail Bond Glossary
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