Options for Jail Release in Indianapolis

If you have been charged with a crime, you may be taken into police custody while you await trial. The time between the date you were taken into custody and your trial can be very long. It is not surprising that many people would rather be released and spend that time at home. There are four ways you can be released from jail while awaiting trial in Indiana. Below, our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer explains what these are.

Hiring a Bail Bond Company

The most common option for being released from jail is to hire an experienced and local bail bond company. When using this option, you sign a written agreement with a bail bond company. Within this legally binding contract, you agree to pay a surety, or a certain percentage of the amount of bail. Typical percentages are between eight to ten percent of the total bond amount. For example, if your bond was set at $2,000, you would be responsible for paying the bail bond company, and they charged a ten percent surety, you would pay them $200.

The surety paid to the bail bond company is non-refundable. If you do not appear in court, the bail bond company is then responsible for paying the full amount of bail.

Posting Bond with the Jail or Court

Another option for jail release is to pay the full amount of bail directly to the jail or court. The full amount must be paid, but if you appear at future court hearings, it is fully refundable.

Using Collateral

You can also use collateral to secure your release from custody until your hearing or trial. Collateral is property you agree to surrender to the court if you fail to appear at the hearing. As such, if you miss the hearing, you will lose the collateral. Collateral must be property of significant value such as bonds, stocks, jewelry, and vehicles. This option is less common because few courts accept property bonds.

Being Released on Your Own Recognizance

A judge may also decide not to set bail for you but instead simply ask you to agree to attend your future hearing. This is known as being released on your own recognizance. Generally, this option is only possible in case of minor offenses such as shoplifting, traffic offenses, and juvenile offenses.

Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Indianapolis Can Advise You of Your Options

Whether you have been arrested, are under investigation, or have a loved one who has already been taken into custody, you need legal help. At Rigney Law, LLC, our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer can advise you of what they are, help you determine which one is right for your situation, and guide you through the process. Call us now at 317-623-0989 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

in.gov/accounts/premium-and-enhanced-bmv-services/bail-bond/