I have always seen in movies how people bail each other out and I am always confused on the concept.
In: Other
Think of it like a security deposit for your freedom. You pay it to leave jail, and as long as you return for your trial, you get that money back.
It’s like when you borrow something from a friend and they ask for something valuable in return to make sure you’ll give it back. The money is returned if you keep your promise and go to court.
Think of it as a security deposit which allows you to stay out of jail until your trial, and to make sure you show up for your court dates
If someone can’t afford bail, they might stay in jail until their trial. Some places have systems to help people who can’t afford bail by setting lower amounts or offering alternative solutions.
If you show up for all your court dates, you usually get the bail money back, minus any fees. If you don’t show up, the court keeps the money and might issue a warrant for your arrest.
Bail exists for the time between getting accused of a crime, and being convicted of that crime.
For example, let’s say that a cop arrests you because they think that you stole something. That will eventually go to trial and a jury may find you guilty or innocent of the crime … but where do you wait between the arrest and the verdict.
A judge looks at the facts of the case, how likely that you’re probably guilty, how dangerous you probably are, how likely you are to run away, etc.
If the judge thinks that you’re probably safe and will show up for your trial, the judge will offer bail. Alternatively, the judge can deny bail if they think you are a risk.
If the judge grants bail, you give the courts some money (exact amount decided by the judge), and when you show up for your trial, you get your money back.
If the judge denies bail, you wait in jail for your trial.
Sometimes, judges use risk assessments to decide on bail. This means they look at factors like the person’s history and how likely they are to return to court
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