It is possible that you might have the option to post bail while awaiting a trial. This would allow you to stay out in public as an essentially “free” person (within limits) until the trial date.
The bail amount will depend on several things, including the judge presiding over the trial as well as the crime in question. But what exactly should you know about bail before paying it?
Your bail options
Courthouse News discusses the recent signing of a Texan bill focused on bail. This prohibits anyone from bond release without paying in cash. Thus, the first thing to consider is whether or not you have the cash on hand to afford bail in the first place.
Next, figure out how bail itself works. You typically have three options when paying bail. This includes cash bond, property bond and bail bond. Bail bond serves as the most popular method, with the bail bondsman posting the amount and getting repaid at a premium.
Never miss a court date
If you miss a court date while on bail, then you forfeit the amount of bail paid. The bail bondsman has the right to take action if you opted for a bail bond, too, so they can sue you to get their money back. You could also face more jail time and an arrest warrant if you miss a court date.
While on bail, avoid associating with anyone or anything that may cause you to get into trouble with the law again. This includes drugs or alcohol.
