Watching any type of police show or even the evening news, we all have a general idea of what bail is. It’s a sum of money that you or a loved one will pay in order to secure your release from jail. But how is it determined? And how to you go about getting the money if you can’t afford the price?
Firs, know that it’s up to the court to set how much you will have to pay. It all depends on the following factors:
- The degree of crime you committed
- Any criminal record
- Your reputation/mental condition
- If there is a risk of you fleeing if released from jail
- Employment status
- Family ties and relationships
- Length of residence
- Any other factors that may risk you from failing to appear for trial
Once the court determines how much you have to pay, then it will decide on the type of bail. In New Jersey, there are four types the court can choose from:
- Cash Bail – You are required to pay the entire sum in cash.
- Bondable Bail– You can either pay cash or use a bail bondsman. The bondsman will put up the money for you, as long as you pay a 10 percent fee.
- Ten Percent Bail – In order to secure bail, you must pay a 10 percent fee, this time to the court itself. This fee can be refunded to you once the charges have been resolved.
- Released on Your Own Recognizance – There’s no money involved, you are released on your own record.
Bail can be set pretty high, especially if you are charged with a first or second degree crime. If that happens, it’s advisable that you hire a criminal defense attorney to help you lower the sum. For more than 26 years, the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone has been helping clients throughout New Jersey with their criminal issues. Contact us today for a free consultation.