Tips To Help You Get Out Of Jail With No Money

Posted on: 16 October 2015

If you've never been in jail before, it can be difficult to understand what your options are for getting out.  Sure, the courts may have set a bail amount for you, but if you're not familiar with the process, you may wonder what the true cost is.  Use this information to learn more about what you can do if you are incarcerated without a great deal of money.

Understand That You Don't Need The Full Bail Amount

The first thing that you need to keep in mind if you are in jail is that you don't need to pay the full amount of bail in order to be released.  This is critical, since some people simply don't have the extra funds on hand to pay the hundreds or thousands of dollars that they are being held for.

For example, if your bail is $10,000 dollars, you may feel a sense of dismay because you just don't have these kinds of funds at your ready disposal.  However, if you contact a bail bondsman, they will use their good credit with the court system to get you out until your trial date.  You won't have to remain in jail under less-than-savory conditions when you do this, and the court system will be perfectly okay with you remaining free until your day in court. 

Because the bail bondsman is putting so much trust in your ability to uphold your day in court, there is usually a fee you have to pay.  This means that although the bondsman will get their money back after your trial date, they still charge you a percentage of the bond as payment for their services.  This is a small price to pay for the fact that they allowed you to maintain your freedom while you awaited trial.

Writing A Letter May Change Things

Another method you can use if you find yourself behind bars without funds is to write a letter to the court system.  Make a plea that details your current situation so that the courts will side with you and allow you to be free until your court date.

Never underestimate the value of a well-written letter.  If you can make your statements heartfelt, as well as not having a long history of criminal cases behind you, the courts may give you a welcome surprise by allowing you to be free of custody.

While going into jail may be traumatic, it doesn't have to spell the end of the world if you know what to do.  If you ever find yourself in custody, use these tips to get around your bail so you can be free.

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