What does it mean to be released on bail? Being released on bail means that you‘re no longer held in police custody after being suspected of a crime.
However, getting out of jail does not mean the matter you were allegedly involved in has been resolved. You must still go through a trial to defend your innocence. Learn more about Columbus bail bonds today.
Innocent Until Proven Guilty
One of the pillars of the American criminal justice system is the presumption of innocence. This principle means that if you have been accused of a crime, the government must prove that you are guilty.
To meet this burden, the State, or rather a prosecutor, must present evidence in court that shows beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the alleged crime.
Generally, this happens at a trial. The trial also gives you (and your criminal defense lawyer) a chance to face your accuser and cross-examine them. By doing this, you can reveal holes in the State’s case against you and attempt to cast doubt on its evidence.
Call (614) 221-0100 today to speak with our experienced Ohio bail bondsman!
How Bail Happens
To be released on bail, you must pay a specified amount to the court. How much depends on various factors, which a judge considers during an initial appearance (your first court hearing after being arrested).
Although the U.S. has a law prohibiting excessive bail and requiring judges to impose the least restrictive measures to ensure the defendant returns to court, the bail amount is often beyond the defendant’s financial means.
If you are being held on bail and don’t have the cash readily on hand to pay it, you can hire a bail bond company to post it on your behalf. This means that the bail bond company helps to cover your costs. You or your family members make a promise to repay the funds if they do not meet the requirements.
Bail is not always awarded. Many people must remain in jail. If you believe you will receive bail but are unsure you have the funds to take advantage of this opportunity to leave jail, seek help from a bail bondsman right away. Most of the time, your family members can provide guidance on how to navigate these situations.
The Cost of Being Released on Bail
Do not think of bail as a fine or any type of punishment. It has nothing to do with the outcome of your case. Instead, it is a type of collateral or deposit paid to guarantee that you will not flee the jurisdiction and will appear in court.
As noted, the cost of bail is dependent on numerous factors, all set at the time of the judge’s ruling. Most often, if you attend all of the required court hearings, the money is returned to you minus administrative fees. If you do not show up, the court will confiscate the money and issue a warrant for your arrest.
A bail bondsman fills in the gap here by providing the money you need. There is a nonrefundable fee for this service. You will know about that fee immediately when you contact your bail bondsman to request support.
Contact our bail bondsman today at (614) 221-0100 to get your bail bond now!
Rules of Pretrial Release
After you make bail, there are specific rules you must follow – these are typically referred to as conditions of pretrial release. The terms vary depending on your particular situation and are determined by a judge.
For example, you may be restricted from leaving the State or may have to undergo a drug treatment program. One of the main conditions, though, is the requirement to attend all scheduled court hearings. If you fail to abide by that term, the judge could:
- Issue an outstanding warrant for your arrest
- Revoke bail
- Order you to remain in jail until your case is concluded
Additionally, if you fail to appear at any court hearing in your case, your bail will be forfeited. This means that if you paid the total amount out of pocket, you won’t get any of it back after your case finishes – whether you are found guilty or not guilty.
If you went through a bail bond agency, you will be required to pay them the remaining amount of the bond. Talk to us about warrant bail bonds in Columbus.
Our bail bondsman is available 24/7. Call us at (614) 221-0100
How to Follow Your Release Rules
It is up to you to follow the rules the judge set for bail. If you fail to do so, you could be sent back to jail, and you or your family could lose the funds put up for bail. Most of the time, it is in an individual’s best interest to follow all the rules. This may include:
- No contact orders, such as not communicating with the alleged victims, co-defendants, or witnesses in your case.
- Check in with the court or a pre-trial services officer to make sure you remain where expected, including checking in with the bail bondsman.
- Travel restrictions are nearly always required, meaning you cannot leave a specific geographic area, travel out of state, or travel out of the country without court approval.
- Substance use restrictions are very common, meaning you must submit to drug and alcohol testing at various times to avoid violating the terms of your bail.
- No weapons access, including often requiring the surrender of your firearms, until the court’s decisions are made.
Your bail bondsman will help you understand any rules you are unsure about, as well as what it means to follow them. With the help of these professionals, you may be able to get back to your life while you wait for the trial. It is always up to you to make sure you understand all terms.
Hire a Bail Bondsman to Help You Get Released on Bail
If you or a loved one was arrested and is seeking release from jail in Columbus, contact our bail bondsman, Andy Callif Bail Bonds to be released on bail.
Our Ohio bail bondsman is available 24/7, call us (614) 221-0100!