While getting arrested is something that most people try to avoid, it does happen. If you are in this situation, getting out of jail as soon as possible is likely going to be your top priority. In order to be released and able to get back to your normal life until you need to go to court, bail is likely going to be needed. Bail is money that you deposit in order to be released from jail while your case is pending. It is returned after the case is finished as long as you show up. Here are three things that you should know about bail.

It Varies From State to State

The first thing that you should be aware of when it comes to bail is that how it is set can vary depending on the crime allegedly committed and even what state you are in. Typically bail is set by a judge at your first court appearance and most judges follow standard procedures when setting the amount. For common crimes, bail can be set before you even head into court. These are called bail schedules, and certain crimes have certain bail amounts that must be paid. Typically the more serious the crime is, the higher the bail is set.

Bail Bonds Can Help

If you are in jail, getting out as soon as possible may be difficult if you cannot make bail. The good news is that there are a few options. Bail bonds are one way to pay bail if you cannot come up with the entire amount yourself. You can purchase a bail bond from a bail bondsman in order to get out of jail. Bail bonds cost around 10 percent of the total cost of the bail and may require you to also put up property as collateral. There are many variations of bail bonds and finding the right one to help you get out of jail is easier than ever.

Bail Bonds Are Not Available in Some States

If you are counting on purchasing a bail bond in order to be able to get out of jail, you may be in for a surprise if you live in certain states. Private bail bonds are not allowed in Massachusetts, Maine, Oregon, Kentucky, Illinois, Nebraska, Washington D.C., or Wisconsin. In these states, you may need to take money out of savings, borrow from friends or family, or use a signature bond in order to make bail.

Being put into jail even just for a few days can have a major impact on your life. Getting out as soon as possible is key, and paying bail is something you may need to do. First, the way bail is set can vary from state to state. If you are unable to pay the bail amount set, a bail bond may be able to help. However, in some states, private bail bonds are not allowed.