Out Of State And Need Bail? Here's What You'll Need To Know
Chances are high that you know what to do if you end up one the wrong side of the law in your home state. But what happens when you're arrested in a different state? Regardless of whether you're in the next state over or clear across the country, arranging bail across state lines seems like a daunting task. Read on to learn exactly what you'll need to bail a friend or loved one out of jail if they're arrested in another state.
Bail Processes Vary Among States
One of the most important things to consider is that the rules and regulations surrounding the bail process can vary from state to state. As a result, the bail processes that you'll normally follow in your home state may not apply to the state where your loved one is being held.
Not only does this make attaining bail in another state difficult, but finding the information you'll need to spring a loved one out of jail can also be difficult. In addition to knowing which county or municipality is holding them in custody, you'll also need to know exactly what they're being charged with as well as the bail amount set by the judge.
Some Crimes Can Prevent a Return Home
Remember that certain roadblocks can prevent a loved one from leaving an out-of-state jail, such as the nature of the crime they're charged with. While most judges are willing to set bail for out-of-state individuals who've committed minor criminal offenses, a serious criminal charge could render that person ineligible for bail. The rules surrounding bail eligibility vary among states, so it's a good idea to do some research before considering your bail bond options.
Some judges may deem a defendant a "flight risk" simply for the fact that they're from another state, often out of fear that they won't return for their court date. Instead of dealing with the potential hassle of arrest warrants and extradition, a judge may deny an out-of-state defendant the opportunity to bond out at all.
Some judges may also set special conditions on out-of-state defendants, allowing them to bond out of jail but preventing them from leaving the jurisdiction they were arrested in. Such conditions can pose added complications, especially if the defendant is unable to return to work or care for family members due to said restrictions.
Transfer Bonds May Be an Option
Getting someone out of jail if they're in another state can be a lengthy and somewhat complicated process. The process becomes much easier if you have someone in the arrestee's current state willing to work with a local bail bondsman to arrange for a release. However, the conditions of a local bail bond may prevent your loved one from returning to their home state.
Another option to consider is a transfer bond. Transfer bonds allow you to bail out an individual across state lines using a local bail bondsman in your state. Your local bail bondsman will work with another bail bond agent in the arrestee's state to secure your loved one's release from jail. A transfer bond allows the local bail bondsman in your state to assume financial responsibility for the arrestee, whereas the out-of-state bail bondsman simply signs for the bond without assuming any financial risk.
Securing a transfer bond is a complex process that requires two different bail bond agencies to coordinate with one another, so expect to pay a higher fee than what you'd pay with an ordinary bail bond. Fees for transfer bonds also vary from state to state.
You should always weigh your options when bailing a friend or loved one out of jail, regardless of whether they're in your state or several states over. Working with a bail bondsman is one of the best ways to bring a loved one home.
For more information, contact a company like ABC Bail Bonds
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