The answer is often yes.
The Secrets To Getting Free Or Affordable Bail Bonds
There are a number of tricks and little known loopholes in getting free bail bonds, no collateral bail bonds or at least affordable bail bonds. Even if you go through a bail bondsman, there are ways to minimize your costs. The advantage is that the bondsman can provide guidance, knows how the process works, and can post bail get your loved one released, usually within a few hours. For some people, this can be a very intimidating and confusing process.
However, if you can’t or don’t want to pay a bail bondsman, what can you do?
Here are a few options:
*You can ask the court to release the defendant on their own recognizance (known as OR). Depending on the severity of the crime, the court may release a defendant on their own recogizince without the need for bail. This is based on how much the court thinks is the risk of the defendent not showing up for their court appearances. They may look at past convictions (if any), and if the defendant has been shown to be a generally good citizen among other things. When granted, the defendant is released with a written promise to appear in court. No bail necessary.
*You can ask for a “Citation Release” known as a “Cite Out.” The judge issues a citation to the defendant, informing the defendant that they must appear for an appointed court date. Depending on the jursidiction, this is often (but not always) used for less serious infractions. No bail necessary.
*If bail is set, you may still be able to request a “Motion to Modify a Bond.” This bail bonds process is typically confirmed by writing and your hearing date will be scheduled. Sometimes they will hear your motion on a letter and not require you to appear. We have found that judges and presecutors are often open to negotiating on this. You may have to agree to do things like agreeing to undergo counseling, to stay away from the victim, or to undergo in-house arrest. If bail is modified it may be heavily reduced or even dropped, so there will be no bail necessary.
*You can put up the money yourself and pay the bail in full. If you yourself don’t have the money to do this, you may need to take a collection from friends and family members. After the trial, everyone will get a full refund with the possible exception of minor court fees, so there is no risk (assuming the defendant makes all court appearances). TIP: Some bail bondsmen that we have talked to will help you pay the bond yourself and even coordinate the pooling of funds for a small fee. This may be worthwhile if you are having a hard time navigating the system while your loved one sits in jail.
*Obtain financing. There are some banks that do this, and in many cases the bail bonding agencies will provide financing as well. In some cases 100%! Please visit bail bond/surety websites for more information about this.
*Request the judge set an unsecured bail. This means you don’t have to put up any money or collateral but you promise to pay the bail in full and forfeit your money should you not make your court appearances. This option was made famous when used during the sexual abuse charges against Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky in November 2011.
What If You Can’t Afford The Bail Or Can’t Qualify For The Bail Amount?
*If the bail has been set, and you can not afford it, most jurisdictions will allow you to appeal the bond through your attorney.
*You may be able to file a notice of appeal based on your lack of funds. This is sometimes called Poor Peoples Relief.
*In some areas there are private organizatons and publically funded organizations that may help you with the bail or give you recommendations. They vary across the country. For example, in New York City there are several such as the Legal Aid Society, the 18-B Panel of the Appellate Division, the New York County Defenders Services, and Neighborhood Defender Services.
No collateral bail bonds
TIP: If you do go to a bail bondsman, ask if they can provide a no-collateral bail (sometimes known as a “signature bond” because all that is required is your signature and the fee). If you have to go through them, this method may allow you to get the bail without tying up all your funds as well. That money may be needed for other court and attorney costs later.
Bail Remission
If for some reason you made a mistake and missed your required court hearings, the courts will typically keep your bail deposit. However, in some jurisdictions like New York City, you can request a Bail Remission. This is a process where you can request to have your bail that was forfeited to be refunded to you. TIP: The courts that allow this will rarely tell you about this option, so remember to ask.