How to get out of jail after arrest in Raleigh, North Carolina
If you’ve been arrested in Raleigh, North Carolina, your first thought is likely going to be getting out of jail – and quickly. The typical way people get out of jail is to post bail. Bail is a bond, cash and other property that the suspect provides to the court to guarantee they will appear in court when scheduled. If the arrested person doesn’t show up to court, the court retains the bail and issues a warrant for arrest.
Bond amounts are determined by magistrates and judges. A magistrate will generally set an initial amount during the booking process. If an arrestee cannot afford to post this amount, they will have an opportunity to request a decrease at their first appearance. First appearances are generally held within 24 hours of the arrest, and will be presided over by a District Court judge.
Individuals that bail-out must follow certain conditions of release, and if a person violates these conditions, a judge can revoke bail, have the person arrested and sent back to jail. Common conditions can include not stay-away order against the complaining witness, restrictions on travel, or the requirement to check in with a pre-trial release supervisor.
Bail can be paid in cash or check for the entire amount, property equal to the price of the bail, or a bond. Bail can also be waived, commonly referred to as “released on one’s own recognizance”, or ‘promise to appear’ in court.
Typically, defendants who are released on their own recognizance have strong community ties, family members in the community, a job, minor criminal history, or have no history of failures to appear in court.
If you’ve been arrested, or think you are going to be arrested and will need to be released from jail, it is important that you know the procedures related to the bail process. If you need to post bail for a family member or friend, you may seek the advice of an attorney. Contact Scharff Law Firm in Raleigh, North Carolina at (919) 457-1954 right away for more information.