When someone is arrested, they are usually assigned bail. If they post bail, they can leave the jail until their trial. Unfortunately, however, it can be hard to afford bail. Luckily, however, there are options that can help.

1. Get an Attorney

If you've just been arrested but bail hasn't been set yet, consider getting an attorney. Have the attorney come with you to your arraignment hearing. That's where the court sets bail.  

The attorney can argue that you aren't a flight risk or a danger to the public, and based on those facts, the attorney can try to convince the courts to give you a relatively low bail.

2. Ask for a Surety Bond

In addition to arguing for a low bail amount, you should also ask for a surety bond. If you don't have an attorney, you can do this on your own. With a surety bond, you are legally allowed to get help from a bail agent. In contrast, if the courts demand a cash bond, you have to pay that in cash which can be challenging.

3. See If You Can Use Property to Cover the Court Appearance Bail Bond

When you pay bail to the courts, the courts use that as assurance that you will show up for your trial. Instead of cash, you may be able to put up property. Depending on the rules in your area, you may have to request a special hearing to pay with property.

If the courts allow it, the process is relatively straightforward. You bring the property deeds along with any other required details to the courts. Then, as long as you show up for your trial, you get the deed back.

4. Work With a Bail Bond Agent

If you can't afford the court appearance bail bond on your own and you don't have any property, you may want to find a bail agent. This professional pays your bail for you. You usually just pay a small fee for their services. The fee is usually a percentage of the bail bond amount. This can be an effective way to get out of jail.

5. Take Out a Loan

If necessary, you may even want to use a credit card or take out a loan to cover the amount of your bail bond. Statistically, people who stay in jail until their court appearance are more likely to plead guilty. If you want to be proven innocent, paying a bit of interest on a loan may be worth it.

Contact a bond company, like Absolute Bail Bonds, for more help.