Although you are lawfully entitled to a speedy trial, waiting in jail after being arrested for a crime can feel like an eternity. Fortunately, in most cases a court will release you from jail early as long as you post bail. In other words, you pay the court a set amount of money and promise to appear on your court date in exchange for the opportunity to return home.
When you are posting bail, you have two options: a cash bail bond or a surety bail bond. They accomplish the same goal, but your circumstances will determine what your best option is.
- Cash Bail Bond- With a cash bond, you or someone close to you will pay the amount required by the court in full. This is the usually the best option if you can afford it because after you show up for your court date, the court will return all of the money to you or the person who paid for you, minus some fees. However, if you fail to show up, the system will keep the cash and you will lose every dollar.
- Surety Bail Bond- Where a cash bond only involves you or the person paying and the court, a surety bail bond involves another party by adding a bail bonds agency in the mix. If you cannot afford to pay your bail, a surety bail bond agency will pay the full amount and charge you around 10% of the bail for their services. They will keep this fee and will also require you to guarantee the rest of the money with collateral.
