A bail bond is a contract between multiple parties that secures a defendant’s release from custody by guaranteeing the courts a pre-determined amount of money for non-appearance. A “Bail Bond” is sometimes referred to as a “Surety Bond.” The surety is responsible for paying the courts if the Bond Company defaults on any non-appearances.

What happens if the defendant misses his or her court date?

The defendant is obligated by the bail agreement to appear at every court date required by the court. Failure to do so results in the forfeiture of the bail bond. If the cosigner fails to act immediately, additional expenses such as tracing fees, court costs, recovery fees, and attorney fees may apply.

What information do I need when I call?

We’ll need information on both the defendant and the cosigner. For the defendant: jail location, full name, date of birth, bond amount, and charges. For the cosigner: city of residence, employment history, and date of birth. Even if you don’t have all the information, we can guide you through what’s needed.

How long will this take?

The required paperwork generally takes less than 10 minutes. Once the bond is posted, release times vary depending on the county. Contact us for county-specific information.

Will I need collateral?

Most bonds do not require collateral. Depending on the bond size, charge, and cosigner’s credit or work history, we can often secure release without significant collateral.

Do you take payment plans?

Yes. Depending on your credit history and the bond size, we can create flexible payment plans for nearly any situation. Give us a call for a free consultation.

Will I get my money back after my friend or family member is done with court?

No. The premium paid on a bail bond is earned once the defendant is released from custody. The bail bond premium works similarly to insurance premiums — it is non-refundable.

What If I Can't Afford Bail? | A-Affordable Bail Bonds

Getting arrested can be a stressful and costly experience. Even if you believe you have strong proof to clear your name, you still go through the standard process of arrest, booking, and being held in jail. You might also find yourself in this situation because you were struggling financially. Whatever the reason, you are now likely facing a bail amount that could be around $10,000. To get a bail bond, you would typically need to pay about $1,000, which is 10% of the total bail.

While paying $1,000 is much easier than paying the full $10,000 upfront, it might still be more money than you have available. This can make it tempting to think, “I’ll just stay in jail until my court date.” But before you decide to wait it out, it’s important to consider the serious downsides of not posting bail. These can end up costing you much more in the long run.

Is getting arrested expensive, even if I’m innocent?

Yes, getting arrested is expensive, even if you are innocent, because you still go through the standard legal process that often involves bail, and not posting bail can lead to significant financial losses and other problems. The initial costs for a bail bond are usually 10% of the total bail amount. Beyond that, staying in jail can cost you much more than the bail bond itself.

What are the financial costs of staying in jail instead of posting bail?

Staying in jail instead of posting bail can lead to significant financial costs, primarily through lost wages and potential job loss, which often far exceed the cost of a bail bond. While your court date might be set sooner if you stay in custody, it could still take up to 30 days to see a judge. During this time, you could miss out on a full month’s income, which for many people is between $2,000 and $4,000. This amount is likely more than the $1,000 you would pay for a bail bond.

Consider this: choosing not to post bail might save you that initial $1,000. However, think about the money you will lose while sitting in jail. Most people earn a good amount each week. Missing several weeks of work means losing thousands of dollars. This financial hit can be much larger than the fee for a bail bond.

Can not posting bail affect my job?

Yes, not posting bail can seriously affect your job, potentially leading to job loss and a gap in your work history that can make finding new employment difficult. Even if your job offers some flexibility, no employer will be happy about having to cover your shifts while you are in jail. If you are eventually found not guilty, you might still lose your job in the meantime.

This means you would not only lose the money you could have earned while out on bail, but you would also have to start over looking for a new job. You would then have to explain the gap in your work history to future employers, which can be a challenge. Protecting your employment is another key reason to consider posting bail.

What if I can’t afford the bail bond fee?

If you can’t afford the bail bond fee, A-Affordable Bail Bonds offers payment plans to help you get out of jail and back to work quickly without a huge financial burden. We understand that coming up with $1,000 (or more) can be tough. Our payment plans are designed to be affordable, allowing you to return to your job—often on the same day as your arrest—and manage the cost over time.

We can work with you to set up monthly payments that fit your budget. This way, you can avoid the much larger financial losses that come from staying in jail. Our goal is to help you get back to your life and responsibilities as soon as possible.

Conclusion

While it might seem like a way to save money in the short term, choosing not to post bail is usually not the cheaper option in the long run. The lost wages and potential job issues often outweigh the cost of a bail bond. Instead, work with a trusted agency like A-Affordable Bail Bonds. We can help you arrange a payment plan that works for you, ensuring you can get out of jail and back to your life without unnecessary delays or financial strain.

If you need help, contact A-Affordable Bail Bonds today. We are here to assist you!