When someone is arrested, the two most common options for getting out of jail are (1) using their own money to pay bail or (2) getting a bail bond through a bail bond agency.You might be wondering which of these is the right choice for you.
Well, we recommend getting a bail bond, as you get to keep most of your money upfront, as well as receive guidance on the bail process from experienced professionals.
Are you scouting out experienced Nevada bail bond agencies? Call us at 702-333-2663.
Our customer-friendly bail experts have years of experience and have helped thousands of people in the Las Vegas area get out of jail quickly.
To learn more about the four types of bail, keep reading.
What Are The 4 Types of Bail?
Cash Bail
This is one of the most common types of bail, which, as the name implies, means that the defendant pays for their bail amount with cash, credit card, money order, or cashier’s check.
Note: Personal checks are not usually accepted when paying bail. Also, when paying cash bail, the defendant or their representative has to pay the amount in full at the time of posting.
Although many people pay cash bail, not everyone chooses this option because courts can and do seize bail money if certain bail requirements are not met.
Another significant downside to paying cash bail is that the money remains on hold until the case is closed, meaning a person has no access to the money they put up for bail for weeks, months, or in extreme cases, even years.
Property Bond
If the defendant cannot pay cash, they can use their property to post a property bond.
Surety Bail Bond
This is the option we recommend. Getting a surety bail bond is arguably the most convenient way to post bond.
The premium for bail bonds is set at 15% in Nevada, which means that you only pay $150 (plus jail fees) on a bail amount of $1,000. This saves you from having to pay a huge amount on bail upfront.
Another advantage of using bail bonds is that they give you access to professional guidance and support. For instance, if you miss out on one of your court hearings for whatever reason, your bail bond company will help get you back on track by filing an appeal with the court or requesting that the judge make a new schedule.
This is how your bail bond agency protects you and also keeps the bail money from being forfeited.
Active Arrest Bail Bond
An active arrest bail bond (also called a warrant bail bond) is one of the unique types of bail bond that is issued before an arrest is made.
The defendant arranges the bond with the help of their defense attorney and bail bond agency, then goes to the police station to turn themselves in.
One advantage of using warrant bail bonds is that the defendant does not spend any time in jail and is immediately released after the booking process.
When someone is arrested, posting bail may be necessary to release them from jail quickly.
The type of bail needed may differ depending on the crime, the bail amount, the circumstances surrounding the case, and whether or not someone has the capacity to pay bail.
Understand various types of bail you may possibly need by reading our complete guide below.
Types of Bail based on Crimes
In Nevada, bail is set according to a bail schedule. The bail schedule is a list of bail amounts that are assigned to specific crimes. If the bail amount for a crime is not listed on the bail schedule, then the court will set bail on a case-by-case basis.
The bail schedule is meant to be a guide for setting bail, but it is not binding on the court. This means that the court can choose to set bail higher or lower than the bail amount listed on the bail schedule. In some cases, the court may even choose to release a defendant on their own recognizance.
Domestic Violence Bail Bonds
In Nevada, Domestic violence is considered a serious crime and is punishable by jail time and thousands of dollars in fines.
Nevada law defines domestic violence as any act committed against a person with whom the perpetrator has or has had a dating relationship with, a spouse, or a blood relative. This can include physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse.
According to the Nevada Legislature, domestic violence is a serious and widespread problem in the state. Every year, thousands of Nevadans are affected by this type of violence.
Bail for domestic violence offenses is set at a minimum of $3,000 in Nevada for first-time offenders and up to $20,000 for felony-level domestic violence charges. However, the actual cost of domestic violence is much higher. This includes the costs of medical treatment, lost work productivity, legal fees, and more.
In addition to the financial costs, domestic violence can also have a profound impact on the victim’s mental and physical health. Victims of domestic violence often suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They may also experience physical injuries such as broken bones and bruises.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. There are many resources available to assist you in Nevada.
Now, if you find yourself on the other side and being accused of domestic violence, there are legal options for your defense. Depending on the case, the defendant may claim that the situation was an accident. Another defense could be in the case of self-defense.
It is best to talk to your defense attorney about your possible legal defenses for the Domestic Violence charge.
During your bail hearing, your attorney may request the court for your release on bond. Depending on the severity of the crime or the evidence against you, the court may approve your release. However, expect that a restraining order may be issued against you to protect the alleged victim.
The bail amount is set by the court and is based on the severity of the offense and your criminal history. If you are unable to post bail, you may be able to obtain a bail bond. A bail bond is a guarantee that you will appear in court as required.
The bail bondsman will post bail on your behalf and charge you a fee, typically 15% of the bail amount. If you fail to appear in court, the bail bondsman will be responsible for paying the bail amount in full.
Driver Under the Influence (DUI) Bail Bonds
In Nevada, it is illegal to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This offense is commonly known as driving under the influence (DUI).
If you are convicted of DUI, you may face significant fines and penalties, including jail time, loss of your driver’s license, and mandatory attendance at a DUI education program. In addition, your insurance rates will likely increase with an SR-22 requirement, and you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Nevada takes impaired driving very seriously and prosecutes offenders to the fullest extent of the law. If you are charged with DUI, it is important to seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Nonetheless, there is another option. A person who is arrested for DUI can post bail to get out of jail until his or her court date. The bail bond amount is set by the court and is based on several factors, including the severity of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history.
In most cases, first-time and second offenders are considered misdemeanors and will have a bail bond amount set at $5,000 or less.
However, if the offense is considered more serious, such as if it involved an accident or injury, the bail bond amount can be much higher.
Felony Bail Bonds
In Nevada, a felony is defined as a crime for which the punishment may be death or imprisonment in the state prison. Some examples of felonies include murder, rape, robbery, and burglary.
In Nevada, the judge may deny bail depending on the severity of the crime and the evidence presented. If bail is denied, the defendant will be held in custody until their trial.
If you are facing felony charges, it is important to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Other types of bail bonds
The purpose of bail is to allow defendants who would otherwise be held in custody to remain free while awaiting trial. This gives them a chance to continue working and supporting their families and also allows them to prepare their defense with their lawyer.
It also upholds the principle that innocent people should not be punished before they have had a chance to defend themselves in court.
However, if bail is set at a high amount, it can be a burden not just to the defendant but also to their loved ones. This is why bail bond companies have been one of the partners of the justice system to give a chance to those who can’t afford bail.
Bail bond companies provide the defendant the chance to be released on bail by standing as the surety for the total bail amount. Instead of paying the full bail amount, the defendant or their families would only need to pay 10-15% of the bail set by the judge.
However, every situation surrounding an arrest is unique. This is why bail bond companies have provided various types of bail to respond to the need. Here are other types of bail you would want to know about.
No Money Down Bail Bonds
No Money Down Bail Bonds is intended to help people post bail when they cannot afford the full amount. The program requires the person seeking help to sign a contract agreeing to repay the bond over time, usually with interest.
A co-signer or collateral may be used to get this type of bail bond.
Getting Expert Advice On Bail Bonds
We recommend talking to your defense attorney, as well as a reputable bail bond agency if you are unsure about which type of bail bond to use.
Call All N One Bail Bonds today at 702-333-2663 for more information.
