Getting arrested is a stressful experience, and the longer someone remains in custody, the more anxiety and uncertainty it brings to them and their loved ones. Fortunately, the bail process offers a way to secure their temporary freedom while awaiting trial.
However, like any legal procedure, the bail process can be time-consuming and complex if not handled properly. To minimize delays and expedite the process, it helps to understand the key steps involved and the ways to move things along efficiently.
Here’s our practical guide on how to speed up the bail process.
Understand the Bail Process
Before taking action, it’s important to grasp the basic mechanics of the bail process. Once someone is arrested and charged, a judge will determine whether bail is appropriate and how much it should be. Bail is a set amount of money or a form of collateral that ensures the defendant will return for future court dates. Once bail is paid, the person can be released until their trial date.
The main steps in the bail process are:
- Arraignment. This is the initial court appearance where charges are presented, and bail is set.
- Posting bail. The bail can be paid in cash, through a bail bond, or using other acceptable means.
- Release. Once bail is posted, the individual is released from custody.
Understanding these steps allows you to anticipate what comes next and be prepared.
Gather Information Quickly
The sooner you gather key information, the faster you can begin moving through the process. You’ll need to know:
- The charges. Knowing the exact charges can help you estimate bail amounts and communicate effectively with bail agents or attorneys.
- Where the defendant is being held. The location of the jail or detention center is important for contacting the facility or arranging bail.
- Bail amount. Once bail is set, you’ll need to find out the exact amount required for release.
By gathering this information early, you can avoid delays and make sure the next steps are taken quickly.
Contact a Bail Bondsman Immediately
If you don’t have the full cash amount for bail, contacting a bail bondsman is one of the fastest ways to secure release. Bail bondsmen typically require a percentage of the total bail amount (12% in Louisiana), which makes paying bail more accessible.
To speed things up, have the following ready when you call:
- The defendant’s full name
- The jail or detention center location
- The charges or case number, if available
- The bail amount
- Professional bail agents are usually available 24/7, so getting in touch as soon as possible can expedite the release process.
Be Ready With Payment
Delays often occur because families and friends are not prepared to pay the bail amount. Whether using a bail bond service or paying directly, be prepared with the required funds. For direct bail payments, you may need cash or a cashier’s check. Bail bond agents typically accept various payment methods, including credit cards and payment plans.
If possible, arrange payment before or immediately after the arraignment so the process can continue without unnecessary delays.
Hire an Experienced Attorney
An experienced defense attorney can help expedite the bail process by guiding you through legal hurdles, representing the defendant at the arraignment, and negotiating a lower bail amount. In some cases, an attorney can even secure a “bail reduction” hearing if the bail amount set is excessively high.
If time is of the essence, having a legal professional advocate for a prompt release can make a significant difference. They can also handle much of the administrative work that tends to slow things down, such as preparing paperwork and coordinating communication between the court and the bail bondsman.
Use a Pretrial Services Program (If Available)
Many jurisdictions offer pretrial services programs aimed at reducing the number of people held in jail before their trial. These programs assess individuals’ backgrounds and recommend release based on factors like the defendant’s risk of flight or danger to the community. If eligible, pretrial services can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for bail, leading to a much faster release.
Stay Organized and Communicate Clearly
One of the most overlooked aspects of speeding up the bail process is clear communication and organization. Delays often happen because paperwork gets lost, information isn’t shared correctly, or family members are unsure of who to call or what steps to take. Designate one person to handle communication with attorneys, bail bondsmen, and jail staff. Keep all paperwork in order, and maintain a log of key information like dates, names, and amounts.
Follow Court Instructions
To avoid complications, it’s essential to follow all court instructions carefully, from attending all scheduled hearings to providing accurate contact information. Any misstep, such as failing to show up for a hearing, can result in forfeiting bail and prolonging the legal process.
The Bottom Line
While the bail process can be slow and complicated, knowing how to navigate it efficiently can help you secure a loved one’s release more quickly. By gathering the necessary information, contacting the right professionals early, and staying organized, you can streamline the process and get them home sooner. Remember that time is of the essence, so acting swiftly and responsibly is key to speeding up the bail process.
About Affordabail
Affordabail is a local bonding company. With several locations throughout the state of Louisiana, we service St. Tammany Parish Jail in Covington, Livingston Parish Jail in Livingston, Jefferson Parish Jail in Gretna, Tangipahoa Parish Jail in Amite, St. John Parish Jail in Laplace, and many more.
For more than 20 years in the industry, Affordabail Bail Bonds has been providing both families and individuals with expedient and efficient bail service. We are reliable at any time, day or night. We are always here for our clients and we treat people who require bail as people, not criminals. There is no way of knowing the circumstances behind what has happened to an accused, and we firmly believe in “innocent until proven guilty.” This respectful approach to our clients is part of what makes Affordabail better than the competition.
We process all bond payments securely, and our friendly staff is efficient and hardworking, getting all the required paperwork done as quickly as possible. We do not want loved ones to stay in custody longer than necessary. Our bail bondsman will make the entire process of obtaining bail simple and painless. Let industry knowledge work for you.
We offer payment plans, too. For more details on the types of bail bonds we offer, and to get started, call any of our locations, or fill out an online form.
