If you have a friend or family member who has recently been arrested, it is important to understand that there are a number of factors that the court may consider when deciding the appropriate amount of money to be provided to verify their presence at all of the necessary court dates. While the severity of the crime that was allegedly committed and the defendant's criminal history are common factors, the amount of time that the arrestee has lived in the area and the amount of time that he or she has spent with their current and recent employers may also play a role. If you are hoping for your friend or family member to be released from jail as soon as possible, you are likely to find the following information to be quite useful.

Bail Has Nothing to Do with the Expected Trial Results or How You Plead in Court

It is important to note that bail is not a punishment or fine, and any money paid to a bail-bonds company to facilitate a release from jail cannot be used to pay fines or other fees charged by the court. The amount of bond money required to allow a release from jail usually relates to how much of a flight risk that the incarcerated person is thought to be. If the bond amount is significant, it is often possible to offer the deed to your home, land, or other items of value in lieu of or in addition to cash and credit-card payments.

The Courts Want to Establish That the Person Will Return to Court After Being Released from Jail

Once you understand what bail is, it is easier to understand why a person with no family in the area or is not employed at the time may have a larger bond amount than someone else with similar charges who has significant ties to the community. The amount of money or the value of the property offered to the court needs to be large enough that the person being released will not risk losing it by failing to show up in court.

In conclusion, it only makes sense that when someone you care for has been arrested, your goal will probably to get them out as soon as possible. Therefore, it is a good idea to be aware of the aforementioned facts about how the cost of a person's bond will be determined so that you can plan for the associated expense. 

Call a company such as All Star Bail Bonds for more information.