Post bail with the prison authorities. A judge sets the amount, which varies by inmate and crime committed. Present your personal identification and the identification number of the person you are bailing out.
Ask the presiding judge to lower the bail amount if it is too high for you. Make your request after the arraignment or the first court hearing. If you have a lawyer, he can attend a special bail-setting hearing to negotiate the amount.
Request the release of the arrested person on his own recognizance during the first court hearing. Present proof, such as testimonials from community members that the detainee has lived in the community many years and is well known. Present the case that your loved one has no criminal record; but if he does, show he has adhered to legal requirements and appeared in court.
Search your phone book's business pages or use an online directory to find a bail bondsman. Obtain assistance from a bail bondsman if you do not have the full bail amount the judge set. The agency will post the amount for you and the detainee will be released. Call the bail bond agency in your area of residence and inquire about its premium costs. Most bondsmen may require collateral.
Meet the bail bondsman to pay the amount due in cash and sign an agreement requiring that the bondsman pay the full bail if the arrested person does not appear in court. The bondsman will post the bail bond at the court where the defendant will appear for his case. The court clerk will send the bail ticket to the police as proof the bail was cleared.
Provide property bail bonds as a means of collateral for the detainee's release. Consult with an attorney before using property bonds because the process can be complex and the judge may not always approve. The property must be equal to or higher than the bail amount.