What are the steps between arrest and release from jail?
When someone is charged with a crime in Texas, they are generally arrested and put in jail. Those charged with minor crimes will typically be released without bail because they aren’t serious offenders. For those who aren’t automatically released, a bail hearing will be set to determine the bail amount and any other conditions of release. During this time, they will usually be in jail awaiting their release.
When someone is given a criminal charge in Texas, they will then have bail set at a hearing based on the type of crime and other factors. Some Texas courts have bail schedules (standard bail amounts for the type of crime), but those amounts may vary based on the circumstances of the case. Once bail is set, the arrestee can choose to pay the cash bail or contact a Texas based bail bond agent for assistance. Payment of the bail or the bail bond is what gets the arrestee released from jail pending their trial.
How do bail bonds work in Texas once your bail has been set?
A bail bondsman will be the one that bails you out of jail when you can’t afford to pay the full bail amount yourself (or your family can’t afford it). They will provide a surety bond to the courts on your behalf and once you make all court date appearances, the bond will be exonerated.
When a bail bondsman is contacted, they will post a bond on the behalf of the person facing the criminal charge. For those who can’t pay cash bail, this is a great alternative. There is still a fee involved, but it’s only about 10% of the bail amount.
This is a non-refundable fee that goes to the bail company in exchange for their promise that you’ll appear in court. Once the company has posted the bail bond, you will be released and can go back to your life while you’re awaiting trial. While a bail bondsman can secure your release with a surety bond, they can’t be held responsible for all your monitoring and other conditions. That will be up to you.
How do bail bonds work in Texas if you’re a flight risk?
Some people are considered a “flight risk,” meaning that they’re likely to try to leave town, skip bail, or even flee the country. In some cases, those people will just be denied bail. If they are granted bail, they could have to meet other conditions to be released.
What are bail conditions?
Bail conditions are extra requirements someone might have to fulfill while they await trial. Bail conditions could include something like house arrest for a flight risk or ankle monitoring for a defendant that has a long criminal history. The conditions will depend on the circumstances of the case. Some cases may have bail set without conditions or contingencies if they are for first offenses or minor crimes.
What do I need to do if I’ve been arrested?
There are two things that everyone needs when they are arrested in Texas: a criminal defense attorney and a Texas based bail bond company. Talking to an attorney before the bail hearing can teach you what conditions and contingencies you might expect the court to require at your bail hearing.
Given how bail works in the state of Texas, you’ll have an easier time navigating the bail process for yourself or a family member with the help of a bail bond company. These professionals will help you understand and deal with different types of bail conditions, terms, and amounts. Contact one of the many Texas based bail bond experts in our directory and get 24/7 support for your bail bonds needs.