HOW TO BAIL OUT OF JAIL

Most people arrested are released on "OR" ("own recognizance"). This means they are not considered a danger to the community or a flight risk. If bail is required, then there are three principal ways to get out of jail:

1. the entire amount may be posted which is then returned after the case is concluded. (Frequently bail will be returned earlier once the Judge is satisfied the defendant will come to court);
2. a bondsman will post the full amount after he or she is paid their fee and given collateral for the full amount. The fee is 10% of the bail amount and that is not returned to the defendant;
3. a property bond is posted. This requires that real property worth twice the bail be transferred to the county as collateral for the bail. This third method is somewhat rare, but useful in high bail cases.