If you or a loved one has been arrested and jailed in Texas on a criminal charge, you may be wondering how to get out of jail while you await trial. One option that may be available is to be released on bond.
Bond is a sum of money that is posted as a guarantee that you will appear in court as required. If you are able to post bond, you will be released from jail until your court date. If you fail to appear in court as required, the bond may be forfeited and a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
There are several types of bonds that may be available in Texas, including cash bonds, surety bonds, and personal bonds.
Cash bonds: A cash bond is a bond that is paid in cash or with a cashier’s check, money order, or credit card. If you are able to post a cash bond, you will be released from jail as long as you agree to appear in court as required. If you fail to appear in court, the bond will be forfeited and you may be subject to additional charges.
Surety bonds: A surety bond is a bond that is posted by a bail bondsman or bonding company on your behalf. If you are unable to post a cash bond, you may be able to secure a surety bond through a bail bondsman or bonding company. In exchange for a fee, the bail bondsman or bonding company will post a bond on your behalf and secure your release from jail. If you fail to appear in court, the bond will be forfeited and the bail bondsman or bonding company may take steps to locate and apprehend you.
Personal bonds: A personal bond is a bond that is issued by a judge based on your personal promise to appear in court as required. If you are unable to post a cash or surety bond, you may be able to secure a personal bond if you are deemed to be a low risk of flight and a low risk to the community. Personal bonds may be available to individuals who have strong ties to the community, such as a job, a home, and family in the area. If you are granted a personal bond, you will be released from jail without having to pay any money upfront. However, if you fail to appear in court, you may be subject to additional charges and a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
If you or a loved one has been arrested and jailed in Texas on a criminal charge, it’s important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the options that may be available for getting out of jail, including the types of bonds that may be available and the requirements for securing a bond. A good lawyer will be able to evaluate the specific circumstances of your case and help you determine the best course of action.
In addition to seeking legal counsel, there are several steps that you can take to try to secure your release from jail on a bond. These may include:
- Gather information about your case: It’s important to understand the specific charge or charges that you are facing, the potential consequences of a conviction, and the bail amount that has been set. An experienced lawyer can help you gather this information and explain your rights and options.
- Contact a bail bondsman or bonding company: If you are unable to post a cash bond, you may be able to secure a surety bond through a bail bondsman or bonding company. A bail bondsman or bonding company will typically require a fee in exchange for posting a bond on your behalf.
- Contact friends and family: If you are unable to secure a bond on your own, you may be able to ask friends or family members to help you post a bond. You may also be able to ask a friend or family member to act as a co-signer on a surety bond. A co-signer is a person who agrees to be responsible for your appearance in court if you fail to appear as required.
- Contact a lawyer: An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the options that may be available for getting out of jail and can work with you to develop a plan to secure your release. A lawyer can also help you understand the potential consequences of a conviction and can work with you to develop a defense strategy to try to obtain a favorable outcome in your case.
- Consider alternative options: Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible to explore alternative options for release from jail, such as electronic monitoring or house arrest. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the alternatives that may be available in your case and can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf to try to obtain a favorable outcome.
If you or a loved one has been arrested and jailed in Texas on a criminal charge, it’s important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the options that may be available for getting out of jail and can work with you to develop a plan to secure your release. With the help of a skilled and experienced lawyer, it may be possible to obtain a favorable outcome and avoid the consequences of a criminal conviction.