When police book a suspect into jail, the Sheriff's place bail as a condition of the suspect's release before his court appearance based upon a bail schedule devised by the court.

The police often book suspects on multiple charges, knowing that the stacking of charges results in a higher and more burdensome amount of bail.

If a suspect wants to be released before the first court date, he or she must post bail either through a bail bondsman or directly with the jail. If the suspect uses a bail bondsman, the bondsman typically charges up to 10% of the total amount of the bail as the bail bondsman's fee for undertaking the risk that the suspect will not make his required appearances in court. If the suspect posts bail directly with the jail, he must pay the full amount of the bail in cash.

It is almost always better to use a bail bondsman to post bail. The bondsman is experienced and can get the suspect released far earlier than a relative posting cash bail with the jail.

Secondly, if cash bail is made directly to the jail, the suspect or his family will not have their money returned for at least two to three months after the suspect's case is resolved.

Finally, if the suspect skips bail, the bondsman is ultimately responsible for bringing the suspect back to court and must pay the entire amount of the bond if he cannot capture and surrender the suspect back into custody.

If a family member or friend posts bail directly with the jail and the defendant skips bail, the family or friend will lose the entire amount of bail deposited, unless the defendant surrenders or is returned to custody within six months after the court declares a forfeiture of the defendant's bail bond.

Often, when the bail is initially set too high for what the suspect is accused of, a good lawyer can successfully persuade the court to substantially lower the bail, or, release the suspect on his own recognizance, thus saving the suspect and his family a lot of money on bail.

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With over 20 years of experience, devoted exclusively to the practice of criminal law; I (Stephen Brodsky, Attorney at Law) have successfully defended hundreds of people in all areas of criminal law.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED AND BOOKED INTO JAIL, CONTACT MY OFFICE FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND I WILL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR RELEASE FROM JAIL AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME.