Being able to contact a bail bondsman in Jennings Louisiana to post bail after an arrest is a right protected by U.S. law, but is not an absolute right. In capital crimes or if the defendant is considered a flight risk, bail may be denied. In most cases, however, someone is able to bail out of jail and not be forced to sit in a cell waiting for their trial. Being free on bail allows a defendant to better assist their attorney with their defense, continue to work and uphold family responsibilities.
In many parts of the world today, bail does not exist. It may be possible for a very wealthy person to buy their way free, but most people remain in jail or prison until the court decides to free them. In these nations, freedom might never arrive, regardless of the charges.
What Is Bail?
Bail is money paid to the court in exchange for being released from jail. This money is held by the court until the case has been decided, either with a jury verdict or a plea agreement. The bail money is essentially a guarantee that the defendant will not flee and will be present for all scheduled court dates. If the defendant runs, the money is forfeited to the court. The defendant will also face additional charges.
The Bail Process
After being booked, bail hearings are normally held on the next business day. A judge decides the amount of the bail, basing the decision on the seriousness of the charges, the potential flight risk and ties to the community, among other factors.
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For minor charges, a person can be released with no bail, on their own recognizance.
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Bail can be paid in cash. It will be refunded when the case is resolved.
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Bail can be arranged with a bail bondsman and is in the form of a surety bond. This is most common when the bail amount is set too high for a cash payment. Typically, the bondsman will charge a fee and require collateral to cover the balance until the case has been decided. The bondsman pays the court. If the defendant skips, the bondsman is liable and will usually search for the defendant.