Run-ins with the police or other law enforcement agencies can be trying, even for the most mild-mannered person. In some cases, they can be downright harrowing. Some encounters may require spending time behind bars or coming up with bail money until a required court date comes up.
Bail: A Quick Summary
In the United States, it is generally not permitted to hold a person in jail prior to a court date. If a person is released from custody, however, they may feel inclined to flee the jurisdiction. Even if they don’t flee, they might not show up for the court hearing. Bail is an amount of money put up by the accused to guarantee that they will show up at the appointed court time.
Bail is generally steep enough that it acts as a flight deterrent. The actual amount of bail may vary depending upon many factors, including the actual judge who presides over the case, the severity of the alleged infraction, and the character of the accused.
Do You or a Loved One Need Bail?
Fairly often, the accused or their loved ones do not have sufficient funds on hand to put up the bail requirement. This scenario …