Did you know that courts set a high bail amount when someone is charged with a crime to encourage them to appear? Unfortunately, given this trend, not everyone can afford to pay bail.

If you find yourself in this situation, here are your options:

  • Remain in jail until your trial concludes (BAD idea).
  • Borrow money from a relative or close friend to pay cash bail.
  • Get a bail bond with an experienced bail bond company and pay a 15 percent non-refundable premium (BEST OPTION).

Note: To learn about bail amounts by crime in Las Vegas, see our article Bail Amounts By Crime In Las Vegas.

So, how long do you stay in jail if you can’t make bail?

The Answer:

If you do not have the funds to pay for bail, you may have to stay in jail until your trial concludes. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the court system, this can take weeks, months, or in rare cases, even years.

If you spend this much time in jail without a conviction, then you’re a victim of the system. Let us help you get out today!

Call us or apply for a bail bond online by visiting our Online Bail Request page.

What Influences Your Jail Time?

The time you spend in jail depends on many factors.

One of them is luck. Your judge, for instance, may move up your hearing once they learn that you can’t post bail and are waiting in jail. But this isn’t a guarantee.

Another factor that influences your time in jail is the reason for your arrest. If you or someone you know simply lost their cool and made a mistake rather than premeditated a crime, the judge may be more lenient.

Other factors include how likely you are to commit another crime and the likelihood of you skipping bail.

Are You Entitled To A Quick Trial?

All U.S. citizens have both the constitutional right to reasonable bail and, more importantly, a speedy trial.

So, how do these rights affect you? Well, since you have the right to a speedy trial, you typically won’t have to wait years in jail while waiting for your trial to finish.

While mistakes can and do happen, by law, courts are required to schedule trials promptly. Again though, some court dockets are so full that it may take them some time to get to your case.

This means there is no set standard for how long you may have to wait in jail if you decide not to post bail. The unfortunate reality is that the court may not schedule hearings as fast as you may desire.

What Happens If You’re Charged With A Crime?

If you are charged with a crime and taken into custody in Nevada, you may request a “bail hearing” from the judge, during which you can ask the court for a reduction in your bail amount or even get released on O.R.

When considering your request to reduce bail, a Nevada judge will look at two main factors:

  • Whether you present a threat to yourself or someone else if released.
  • Whether you are a flight risk.

What Are Bail Bonds?

Getting arrested is more common than you think. In fact, more than 50% of Americans currently have or have had a family member who is incarcerated.

Given how many people go to jail, it’s important to understand what bail bonds are. In short, they are a form of assurance that courts use to ensure that you show up for court. A bail bond, in some sense, is like an insurance policy used by courts.