What Is The Purpose Of Bail?
Bail is something people pay in exchange for a release from jail. Bail is not always offered to inmates, but it is common in many cases. If a person pays the bail, they get released from jail, but they do not get released from the criminal charges. If you are wondering why courts allow this and what the purpose is, continue reading to learn what bail is.
What It Is Not
The first thing to understand about bail is what it is not. Bail is not a punishment or a fine. When you get released from jail through bail, you are not being punished by being required to pay the fee. Paying the fee is your choice. It is also not a fine because you do not have to pay it. You can choose not to pay it, but you will remain in jail if you select this route.
Bail Creates a Legal Agreement for the Criminal Charges
The primary purpose of bail is to create a legal agreement for the criminal charges. When a person resides behind bars during a criminal case, the jail brings them to court for their hearings. They never miss hearings because the jail is responsible for monitoring the inmates' schedules. When the jail releases a person through bail, it creates a legal agreement for the criminal law process. The person being released knows that they have obligations when they pay the bail money, whether they pay cash or use a bail bond agent. They also know that there are consequences of not following through with their part.
Bail Is an Insurance Policy
The other way to describe the purpose of bail is by explaining it as an insurance policy. When a person wants to regain their freedom during their criminal charges, they pay the bail with cash or through a bail bond agent. When paying it, they pay a fee and sign an agreement. The good news for the defendant is that they will not owe any more money if they follow through with their court hearings. If the defendant misses court, though, the court can issue a warrant, and the police will arrest the person again. People who pay bail want to follow the rules, as they know they have a lot at stake by not following through.
If you encounter a time when you need to bail yourself or someone else out of jail, you can call a bail bond agent for help.
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