How to Arrange for Bail While in Jail

Bail hearing.

Getting arrested means that you will, more than likely, have to stand in front of a judge to have your charges formally recorded. During this court appearance, you will probably have a bail amount set by the judge. She takes into consideration your charges, criminal history and flight risk when she determines the bail amount. In some cases, bail may be a preset amount depending on your charge. Here's how to pay your bail while you're in jail.

Instructions

1. Use your free phone call to contact a family member who can bail you out of jail. If your bond has been set, let the person know the amount. If you have to have it set at a later time, let the person know when it will be set. By law, when you are arrested, you are allowed to make one call, free of charge.

2. Ask the judge to let you out of jail on your own recognizance. This is usually possible if you are facing minor charges and you are considered to be stable by the court. In order to be considered stable, you usually have to have a steady job and residence. Having family in the area to vouch for you will usually help.

3. Contact a bail bonds agent. Most bail bond companies will be able to accept collect calls from the jail. When you contact the agent, he can contact the people who will post your bail.

4. Write a letter to someone to post your bail. This is a way to get your bail posted if you are unable to contact anyone by phone. Make sure that you include your bail amount, charges and your next court date so the person can inform the bail bond agent.

5. Send word with an inmate who is being released to someone who can bail you out. This should be used as a last resort, because most inmates will forget to do this once they are released.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be polite to law enforcement when you are arrested. Some judges will take your behavior after your arrest into consideration when she is setting your bail amount. Being cooperative may result in the detective for your case recommending a lower bail amount.