How Do I Bail Somebody Out of Jail in Minnesota?
When a loved one or friend ends up in jail, your immediate goal is often to get them out as soon as possible. In Minnesota, the process to bail someone out involves several steps, starting with the setting of the bail amount by a judge. If you or a loved one is facing serious charges, make sure you consult with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney. Here's what you need to know about how to bail someone out in Minnesota.
“Depending upon the kind of case and your resources, you may need to balance bail against the need for legal representation. One is a short term problem, the other a long term one.”
Step 1: Understanding Bail Amounts
After an arrest, the defendant will go before a judge, usually within 48 hours although that can depend up on the time that they were arrested and whether it happened over a holiday or over the weekend. The judge will determine whether bail is necessary and, if so, how much it should be. The amount set by the judge is influenced by several factors, including the severity of the alleged crime, the defendant's criminal history, and their ties to the community.
Step 2: Methods of Posting Bail
Once the bail amount has been set, there are two primary ways to post bail in Minnesota:
Cash Bail
You have the option to pay the entire bail amount in cash. This payment ensures that the defendant will be released from jail and agree to return for all scheduled court dates. If the defendant appears in court as required and the case is resolved, the bail money is typically returned, minus any administrative fees.
Bail Bondsman
If the bail amount is too high for you to pay entirely in cash, you can seek the services of a bail bondsman. A bail bondsman will post bail on behalf of the defendant, typically charging a non-refundable fee of around 10% of the total bail amount. This fee is their payment for providing the bond. In other words, you don’t get that 10% returned to you.
Responsibilities and Risks of Using a Bail Bondsman
It's important to understand that by using a bail bondsman, you are entering into an agreement that places certain responsibilities on you and the defendant. If the defendant fails to meet the obligations of the bond, such as not appearing for court dates, you could be held liable for the remaining 90% of the bail amount.
Considerations for Serious Charges
If you or a loved one is charged with a serious crime in Minnesota, navigating the legal process can be daunting. To ensure you are taking the right steps and to protect your rights, it's crucial to seek professional legal advice.
“Some cases can take months or even longer to resolve. Getting a loved one out of prison may be an absolutely necessity.”
Contact Jack Rice Defense
When you need experienced legal support, Jack Rice Defense is here to help. Our team can provide a free confidential consultation to discuss your case and guide you through the bail process. Reach out to us at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
When your life is on the line, make sure Jack Rice Defense is by your side. We are committed to providing the dedicated and personalized legal support you need during this challenging time.
By understanding the bail process and knowing your options, you can take the right steps to secure the release of your loved one and protect their legal rights.
Jack is a nationally recognized and award winning criminal defense lawyer, awarded Among the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer of 2024, Minnesota Super Lawyer for 2023, Among the Best Lawyers of 2022, winner of the Minnesota Attorney of the Year Award for 2021 and founder of Jack Rice Defense. He was awarded the Professional Excellence Award from the MSBA for 2020, and is an MSBA Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He is also a former Prosecutor and a former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Officer. This St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer has decades of experience successfully representing thousands of clients facing everything from Sex Crimes, Child Pornography, Domestic Assault to DWI to Murder to other serious criminal charges.