Getting arrested can be an ordeal, especially if you don't have the money to pay for your release. There are four common ways you can be released from jail, and there are many ways to obtain the money you need. Check out these four types of bail bonds.

No Bail Needed

In some cases, no bail is required for you to be released from jail. This is referred to as released on your own recognizance. Typically, however, this is only the case if the judge feels you are not a future risk. Usually, you'll only get released on your own recognizance if the crime was small, and you have a good history with little to no trouble with the police. Another factor the judge will consider is how long you've lived in the area. If you recently moved, it's more likely you might flee to your old home.

You will still need to show up to your court hearing. When someone bails you out, they take the responsibility for you and ensuring you show up to court, or they don't get their money back. If you're released without bail, however, you're responsible for yourself. If you don't show up to court, you could be thrown in jail or face a penalty.

Collateral

If you do need bail, and you own property that is worth a lot, you may be able to use it as collateral. You can use your house, automobiles, boats, expensive jewelry or anything else that is worth enough money to cover your bail. If the item is small like a ring, the bail agent will usually hold it until after the trial.

As long as you show up to court, your collateral is safe. Even if you are ultimately found guilty, the collateral will be returned as long as you show up to court. However, if you don't show up to court, the item, such as your home, is seized and sold to recoup the money you owe.

Cash

Direct cash is always another way you can pay your bail and be released on your own recognizance. Since you're the one paying the money and no one is responsible for you, you are in charge of making sure you get yourself to court. If not, you forfeit the cash and may get thrown in jail or fined. If you have the cash on you, great, but if you don't, you can call someone to bring you some.

The advantage of using cash is that you don't have to pay interest, and if you are unable to show up to court, you won't lose your home or other collateral. The disadvantage is that you may not have enough cash to pay a high bail. This is best for people who have committed a small crime, but still must pay a small fee before they can leave jail.

Loan

A bail loan is perhaps one of the most well-known ways to pay for your bail. For people who have no money or collateral for bail can take out a loan from a bail bondsman. This is known as a surety loan. If you show up to court, the money is returned to the bail bondsman, minus fees, and you are only responsible for a small amount, such as interest.

If you do not show up to court, however, as with every other situation, the money is lost, which won't make your bail bondsman happy since it's their money. Instead of losing this money, most bail bondsman will send someone to find you, such as a bounty hunter to force you to go to court, so they get their money. The great thing about bail bonds is that they are usually available any time of day or night.

If you or someone you know have been arrested, there are many ways the pay for bail. If you would like more information regarding bail and surety loans, contact a bail bondsman, like one from NFP, P & C, Inc., in your area today.