If you have a loved one call you from jail and ask you to bail them out, you may be going back and forth with yourself wondering if you should follow through and bail them out. If this is the case, then you can use this guide on bail to help you decide. You will also learn some basic information on the bail process.
Here are a few questions that can help you decide if you should bail a loved one out of jail:
Do they have a job?
If your loved one currently has a job, then you need to understand they very well may not if they don't get back to that job as quickly as possible. By bailing them out, you will be helping them to retain their employment. Not only is this good for their overall life, but it may also help them in the eyes of the court and can be a contributing factor when it comes to the severity of their sentencing.
Do they have school?
If your loved one is currently enrolled in college, then you want to understand that each day they don't attend classes, they fall further behind. If they miss too many days, then they will likely be dropped from those classes. This can affect their ability to graduate and even to continue getting their financial aid.
Do they have an illness or health condition?
If your loved one suffers from an illness or health condition where they need to be regularly monitored and given medication or other treatments, then understand the jails aren't always as accommodating as they should be when it comes to making sure the inmates get everything they need in a timely manner.
Do they have children?
If your loved one has one or more children, then you want to get them out quickly if you can because having a parent in jail can have a big impact on a child's entire life. If the children visit their parent in jail, then this has an impact, and if they don't get to visit them in jail, then this also has negative impacts as well. The best option is to get their parent out of jail so they can be with their child.
How do you bail your loved one out of jail?
If you do decide to bail your loved one out, then the process is easy. You want to bring their information and any collateral you plan on using to the bail bonds office. They will then have you fill out some paperwork and help you to get your loved one bailed out of jail.