If you or a loved one has been arrested on the weekend, you may be wondering what your options are for getting bail. The good news is that this is the 21st Century, and life no longer operates on the 8-5, Monday-Friday schedule for every little thing.
The courts system has protections in place that ensure you can receive bail despite it being a weekend. In this blog post, we look at the steps that you need to take to ensure you get it should you ever find yourself in this situation. Fortunately, it’s not much different from bail during the week. Here’s how it works.
1. Call a Bail Bondsman
One of the first things you should do if you are arrested on the weekend is call a bail bondsman. A bail bondsman will post bail for you in exchange for a fee, typically 10-15% of the total bail amount. This is a good option if you do not have the full amount of bail money on hand.
Some jurisdictions might offer what is called a signature bond, or “sig-bond” for short. This is reserved only for the most minor of crimes – think public intoxication – and it entails signing a promise that you will appear in court at a later date if you are released. Failure to appear results in the issuance of another warrant for your arrest, with it being unlikely that you’ll receive a second chance due to being considered a flight risk.
In most cases, arrestees will need to consult with a bondsman or bondswoman, however. The good ones are on call 24/7, and they know how to navigate the court system quickly to ensure your early release.
2. Check with the Jail
If you do have the full amount of bail money, you can check with the jail to see if they offer weekend bail service. This service is typically available for non-violent offenders and those who pose no flight risk. Tarrant County does.
But again, you’ll need the full cash amount, and failure to appear at a later time will result in you forfeiting the entire amount. You also may not have access or anyone with access that you can call.
3. Hire an Attorney
If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you. However, if you can afford an attorney, it is worth it to hire one as they will likely be able to get you out on bail faster than if you did not have representation.
Most attorneys have emergency on-call numbers, the same as the courts system. If you are uncertain of where to begin, a reputable company like PCS Bail Bonds can help you with their contacts list and in-depth knowledge of the legal community in and around Tarrant County.
4. Wait for arraignment
If none of the above options are available to you, then you will simply have to wait until Monday for your arraignment. At your arraignment, the judge will set your bail amount and you will be able to post it at that time.
This is obviously not the best option for a number of reasons. You may have to take a weekend shift at your employer. You may have childcare obligations or other commitments.
The less time that you have to spend in jail the better. Therefore, it pays to explore the options that we have listed above before accepting your fate.
Weekend Arrests Are Common and the Systems Are in Place
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being arrested on the weekend, there are a few things you can do to try to get released on bail. The most important thing is to remain calm and take action quickly. Time is of the essence when it comes to getting bailed out of jail, so following these steps as soon as possible is crucial.
What helps is knowing that the system doesn’t shut down altogether just because it’s a Saturday or Sunday. The courts have procedures in place. Speak to jail personnel about what those options are, and take the necessary steps from there. When you can make that first phone call, dial up PCS Bail Bonds. With more than three decades of experience in the legal profession, we’re here to help you through this scary time so you can get your feet back underneath you. Contact us today!