What To Consider Before Bailing Someone Out Of Jail
by Gregory Hall
It's the worst scenario: a family member or close friend calls you to let you know that they are in jail. Of course, the question is – can you bail them out? Before making a quick decision, make sure you are really thinking about what you are getting into so that you make an educated decision, not one based off of pure emotion.
Trust
When it comes to bailing someone out of jail, trust is the most important aspect. Although the person who has been arrested is in serious trouble, if they fail to meet their end of the bail release agreement, you could also be in a fair amount of trouble. While you might not be facing jail time, you will be facing harsh penalties. If you don't have complete trust or faith in the individual, don't do this type of favor lightly.
Bail Terms
It's also important to understand the bail terms before making this decision. First, courts generally require that a percentage of the total fee be paid up front, such as 10 percent, which is non-refundable. The remaining balance can be guaranteed through property or some other asset. Bail terms require that the defendant appear in court throughout the duration of the case. If they don't make a court date, your guaranteed portion of their bail could be claimed by the courts. Make sure you understand the bail terms.
Understand The Charge
Understand what exactly the individual is being charged with and how it might affect you. For example, say a family member committed a crime against another family member. Bailing out the individual could put you in the middle of the situation in an uncomfortable position, because it could be like you're siding with one person. If you don't want to be involved, you might not want to post bail.
An Alternative
If you're not completely confident that you bailing out your friend is the right thing to do – don't do it. Fortunately, this doesn't mean your friend has to remain in jail. A bail bondsman can help. A bail bondsman assumes all the risk so that you don't have to. This doesn't just protect you, but it also protects your friendship in case of any issues. Best of all, you can even reach out to a bondsman to ask about a bail bond on your friend's behalf.
Remember, bailing someone out is a serious process that you shouldn't take lightly. Don't make a decision without thinking it through.
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About Me
When I started my own company, I knew that I needed a little business capital and fast. In an effort to raise money, I worked with various lenders to discuss loans, financing, and special terms. Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that not every loan was created equally. Some loans had almost predatory terms like high interest rates and penalties, while others were completely fair. Fortunately, a business consultant of mine taught me about loans and financing, so that I could make better choices in the future. The information on this blog saved my business, and I know that it can help yours too.