{"id":375935,"date":"2017-06-12T18:26:53","date_gmt":"2017-06-12T23:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/getting-released-on-bail-in-philadelphia-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2018-03-27T11:22:49","modified_gmt":"2018-03-27T16:22:49","slug":"getting-released-on-bail-in-philadelphia-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/getting-released-on-bail-in-philadelphia-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Getting Released on Bail in Philadelphia: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Getting Released on Bail in Philadelphia: The Basics<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

It’s 1:00 a.m. on a Friday night. You get a call from your cousin. He got into a fight at the Phillies game and was thrown in the slammer. You’ve never had to bail someone out of jail. You have no idea who to call, where to go, or what to do.<\/p>\n

Understanding the bail bonds process in Philadelphia is important when trying to get your loved one out of jail. Here’s some info on getting released on bail in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

How Bail Bonds Work<\/h2>\n

If you are in jail, chances are you’d like to go home. Although television shows can sometimes make a custody stay look like summer camp, it’s usually not that way. So, how are you getting out?<\/p>\n

But first, why does bail exist? The system of bail exists so you can have the opportunity to continue your life while awaiting trial. After all, we are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and let’s face it, the criminal justice system can be as slow as molasses. Who really wants to eat jail cuisine for that long? Not many.<\/p>\n

How do I get a bail bond?<\/h2>\n

Glad you asked. There are four ways in which a person may be released from custody in Philadelphia:<\/p>\n

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  1. You can use a bondsman;<\/li>\n
  2. You can post cash for the full amount of the bond with the court or jail;<\/li>\n
  3. You can use your home as collateral; or<\/li>\n
  4. The judge can decide to let you free on your own recognizance<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Most people proceed via option #1 — the bondsman. To get released, you (or a family member) will have to pay a fee known as bail<\/a>. Who is going to pay that fee? Typically a person known as a bail bond agent<\/a> will post a bond after collecting a nonrefundable fee<\/a> (up to 10% of the total bail amount in Pennsylvania) from the defendant, their family, or friends.<\/p>\n

    Many folks don’t have 10 percent just lying around. In that case, the bail agent will take other collateral such as jewelry, a car, or electronics. In return, the bail bond agent agrees to pay the remaining amount to the court if the defendant fails to appear. Why is a court willing to take this chance? Simply put, if the defendant flees, he or she loses his property or bond.<\/p>\n

    What if the defendant jumps bail?<\/h2>\n

    It’ll be bad news if the defendant doesn’t appear in court as the judge ordered. The bail agency will often hire someone to locate the missing defendant and have him taken back into custody. The bail agent may also choose to sue the defendant, or whoever helped to guarantee the bond, to recoup the money. Repayment may come in the form of cash, but it can also be made by seizure of the assets used to secure the bail bond.<\/p>\n

    What should I know before speaking to a bail bondsman?<\/h2>\n

    There is certain information that a bail agent will need in order to help you:<\/p>\n