Posting Bail Aftermath: Not a Get Out of Jail Free Card

Once an arrested person pays a bond amount its known as posting bail. The bail amount may be paid in cash or by check. Some people may also hand over the ownership rights to a property with a cash value equivalent or exceeding the bail amount. The person may also be allowed to sign a bond that covers the full bail amount. In some cases, the arrested person may sign a statement that confirms to the court that the person will appear in court at the appointed time. Posting bail through bail bonds have to be purchased, and their price is usually about 10 percent of the total bond amount.

Posting bail through a bail bond is similar to a check that may be issued to a person as a guarantee, but not for cashing unless the person makes a default of commitment. A bail bond should be the last option because it costs a considerable amount of money, which is usually non-refundable. It may also require submission of collateral in order to have the bail bond issued. The arrested persons may seek legal advice from a criminal defense attorney to minimize their bail terms.