3 Reasons to Get Out of Jail as Soon as Possible

After an arrest, one of the first things that happens is the setting of your bail. Bail is the money that you have to pay in order to leave jail. Once you appear at trial, you receive this money back, minus a small administrative fee.

How bail is set depends on the severity of your crimes and the jurisdiction where your arrest occurs. In some counties, a judge sets bail individually for every case based on its specific details. However, some districts follow a schedule when determining bail, especially for relatively minor misdemeanors.

If you cannot afford to pay your bail, then you have a couple different options. You can stay in jail until it is time for your court date, and if you choose this alternative, then the days you spend in jail do count towards your sentence. However, a better solution is to use the services of a bail bond company.

When using a bail bond company, you only have to pay a small percentage of your bail. The bail bond company covers the remainder of your bail. Check out a few arguments for why it is a smart decision to get out of jail as soon as possible.

1. You Won't Miss Time from Work

As of 2017, approximately 78 percent of Americans report living paycheck to paycheck. If you fall into this category, then you know that it only takes a few days away from work to put your family in serious financial trouble. Should you choose to stay in jail, you may have to miss weeks of work before your trial. With so many days off work, your family may have to turn to costly debt to keep the bills paid.

By using a bail bond, you will only have to miss a day or two of work. You can resume work and maintain the financial security of your family. Some individuals may believe that they should stay in jail so that the days will count as time served. However, sentences for most misdemeanors are very short, especially if this is your first offense.

2. You Can Reduce Your Family’s Stress About Your Arrest

It is very stressful for a family member to leave the household without warning, and an arrest is no exception. When you get out of jail as soon as you can, you help minimize the amount of stress incurred by your other family members.

When facing a felony charge, you may have to serve a significant length of time in jail. For some defendants, this poses a dilemma. Should you stay in jail to reduce your future sentence, or should you post bond so that you can remain free while you wait for your trial? The best answer depends on your family's situation, but many find it beneficial to defer jail time by posting bail.

Deferring your jail time gives you a chance to get your affairs in order. Perhaps you can arrange for a leave of absence from your job. If your partner will need help with the kids or household while you are away, then this gives you time to arrange or hire help for your loved ones.

Posting bail will also give you a chance to prepare your loved ones for your jail sentence. You can say a proper goodbye to your friends and family members and explain to your children why will have to go away. This may give your family members a sense of peace while you are gone.

3. You Can Put Any Rumors Regarding Your Arrest to Rest

Unfortunately, people may gossip about your arrest. Gossipers may twist the details of your arrest by exaggerating or even lying. The longer you are gone, the more people will come up with their own versions of what happened.

Not only can gossip damage your reputation but it may also hinder your career growth. By getting out of jail as quickly as you can, you put these harmful rumors to rest.

Need to help a friend or family member get out of jail? Call HOWL-N-OUT Bail Bonds to post your loved one's bail. We’re available 24 hours a day.​