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What Are My Options for Posting Bail in Texas?

Getting the call that a loved one is in jail can be a very scary experience.

However, so long as you can pay bail, your loved ones can remain free until their trial. It’s important to be aware that it takes time to get a bail set, generally between 24 and 72 hours. If an individual is arrested over the weekend, they’ll likely have to wait until Monday before they are arranged by a judge.

While bail is normally granted, there are exceptions. Additionally, the amount will depend on the crime and the likelihood of whether said offender will attempt to flee before the trial.

Once bail is set, then you can begin thinking about the method of payment. Generally, you will have a few options in Texas, including emergency bail bonds, though your resources will determine what you can do realistically.

Your Options for Posting Bail


1. Personal Recognizance

Personal recognizance means the bond is dismissed so you won’t need to pay the amount that was set. In these situations, the judge trusts you to turn up for court.

If this is your first offense and it was non-violent, you have a good chance of getting this form of bond. Work and family ties can also tip the odds in your favor. You may still have to visit a Texas bail bondsman, pay fees, or follow other instructions.

You can also appeal a bond to get this, but you will need a lawyer to convince the judge you aren’t a flight risk.


2. Cash Bonds

A cash bond is probably the simplest of the bail options in Texas. You or a loved one just pay off the whole amount of the bail.

You’ll be able to get part or all of the money back if you go this route, however, the cost can be too high for most people, which is when the other types of bonds come into play.


3. Property Bond

A property bond is when an individual puts up something valuable as collateral to show they will attend their court date. This can be anything that is worth at least 150% or greater of the bond amount.

You may put up electronics, jewelry, cars, or your house for a property bond. Be aware that if you miss court, you will lose whatever you put up. This is one of the least common ways to pay off a Texas bail bond, but it is one of the few options you have when bail is high.


4. Security Bond

When you think of bonds, this is likely the option you think of. You will go to a Texas bail bondsman and pay a portion of the bond amount to them. This is a non-refundable amount that is typically 10-20% of the total bail.

You can also have a cosigner if you will have trouble paying it on your own. One thing to note is that whoever is chosen as cosigner will owe the total amount of the bond if the person skips court.

This will also result in a warrant for the offender's arrest and they won’t get out of jail until after the trial.

Contact a Texas Bail Bondsman

If you don’t have a large amount of cash on hand, a Texas bail bondsman will likely be your best option. Not only will you get out for only a fraction of the bail amount, but your bondsman knows all the laws about Texas bail bonds. This way, you’ll know for sure what to do after you post bail.

Don’t wait and leave your loved one in jail. Your Texas bail bondsman at Anzaldua Bail Bonds is here to help.





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