Most people are familiar with the idea that bail is necessary for getting out of jail. However, most people don't know how bail literally works. If you are in a situation where you need to understand how bail actually works, here are a few things you are going to want to know.

Thing #1: Bail Is Set by the Courts

When one is arrested, they are usually placed in jail. To get out of jail before one's court appearances and trial, one has to pay bail. Paying bail is seen as a form of insurance that help will draw the defendant back to court to face their charges.

In general, you have to appear in court for the judge to set your bail. The judge doesn't make up the amount; they base the bail amount on the charges and your past.

Sometimes, with really common offenses, a county may have a bail schedule. In that case, the bail amount is set for certain offenses, saving the courts from having to see you to set your bail. You will know your bail amount right away.

Thing #2: Bail Is Designed to Be Paid in Cash

Bail is designed to be paid out in cash. It is intended to act as insurance and to help ensure that you show up for all your court dates, with the idea that you will want to get your bail back and you will want to stay out of jail.

Bail is designed to be an amount that you can pay in cash.

Thing #3: Bail Bond Agency

However, many people cannot afford to pay their bail in cash, which is where a bail agent comes in. A bail agent will pay your bond in cash in exchange for a non-refundable fee and will take collateral from you to cover the money they put up if you don't show up to court.

State laws generally set the fee that the bail agent can charge you. That fee is not money that you are going to get back. You will also have to provide collateral; bail bond agents accept a wide range of things for collateral, such as the title to a car or jewelry. They will accept most things that carry value and add up to the amount you owe for your bail.

Bail is set by the court or by a schedule based on the offense. Bail is designed to be paid in cash and to act as insurance that you will show up to court. If you can't pay the bail in cash, a bail bond agent can pay it for you in exchange for a small fee and collateral for the bail amount.

To learn more, contact a bail bondsman.