How Long Do You Stay in Jail If You Can’t Make Bail?

How Long Do You Stay in Jail If You Can't Make Bail?

Bail is typically set fairly high to motivate those charged with crimes to return to court on the scheduled date. Unfortunately, there are some situations in which defendants do not have enough money to cover the full cost of bail. In such a situation, the defendant has the option of remaining in jail instead of borrowing the money or using personal property as collateral. Let’s take a quick look at how long an individual charged with a crime can remain in jail if he or she cannot afford to pay bail.

The Maximum Jail Stay If Bail Cannot Be Paid

If you do not have the funds necessary to cover the entire cost of bail, you will remain in jail until the judge decides you can leave. Alternatively, there is also the potential that you will simply remain in jail until the day of your court hearing. It is possible the judge will move up your hearing on the docket if he or she knows you cannot make bail and will spend the ensuing days in jail. Unfortunately, it might take weeks, months, or even longer for the court hearing to take place. If you were to spend this amount of time in jail, you would not be able to work, care for your kids, or live life as it was meant to be lived.

Factors That Influence Your Jail Time

The amount of time you spend in jail if you can’t make bail hinges on several factors. As noted above, the judge might move up your hearing if he or she is aware that you can’t pay bail and are stuck in jail. Furthermore, the reason why you were arrested and jailed in the first place also affects the amount of time you spend in jail. Instead of running the risk that you will be in jail all the way up until the hearing date, it is better to reach out to a bail bond agent to pay the bail amount in full. 

You Have the Right to a Speedy Trial and Reasonable Bail

You and every other American have a constitutional right to a reasonable amount of bail and a speedy trial. This means you should not have to wait years for your trial to take place. At most, you will likely have to spend a month or two in jail before your court date. In short, the court is required to schedule trials in a timely manner after discussing the case with prosecutors and the defense. In general, courts attempt to schedule trials as quickly as possible for those who cannot afford to post bail. However, the court docket might be jam packed, so it could take some time for your day in court.

In short, there is no specific standard as to how long someone might be forced to wait in jail until their day in court. The sad truth is that courts do not always schedule hearings as quickly as defendants desire. The only silver lining to spending time in jail prior to the court hearing is that it counts as time served on the sentence in the event that you are found guilty. 

How Long Can You Be Held in Jail Awaiting Trial?

The time you might spend in jail awaiting trial if you can’t make bail varies significantly. It largely depends on the nature of the charges against you and the backlog of the court system. For misdemeanors, you might be looking at a few weeks to several months, while felonies can extend the wait to a year or more before your case goes to trial. This duration underscores the importance of securing a bail bond to ensure your freedom while awaiting trial.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Bailed Out of Jail?

Failing to secure bail means you remain in jail until your court date. This can have several repercussions beyond just the loss of freedom. It may impact your employment, family life, and mental health. Being incarcerated for an extended period can also complicate preparing your defense. You’re at a disadvantage compared to being out on bail, where you have better access to legal resources and the ability to maintain your responsibilities and relationships.

What Happens If You Can’t Pay Bond?

If you’re unable to pay the bond amount set by the court, there are a few avenues to explore. Public defenders can request a bond reduction or a waiver based on financial hardship. Alternatively, bail bond services like A Way Out Bail Bonds play a crucial role. For a fraction of the total bail amount, usually around 10%, a bail bond company can secure your release, allowing you to await trial in the comfort of your home, not behind bars.

Don’t Waste Your Time in Jail!

There is no sense spending a single second longer than necessary in jail. You have a life to live, a job to work, family to care for, and friends to spend time with. Instead of running the risk that you will spend two months in jail or even longer awaiting your day in court, do the smart thing and contact our bail bonds service to bail you out of jail. Our service is quick, affordable, and professional. 

The Benefits of Using A Way Out Bail Bonds

When faced with the distressing situation of having a loved one detained, turning to the expertise of A Way Out Bail Bonds can make all the difference. With licensed Dallas bond agents available 24/7, you can count on knowledgeable professionals to guide you through the bail bond process and provide solid advice.

A Way Out Bail Bonds has been serving Dallas County and surrounding communities for over 35 years, handling each case with expert accuracy and efficiency. They prioritize client comfort and privacy, offering a variety of payment methods and even mobile bond service for added convenience. With their professional and prompt assistance, you or your loved one can secure a quick jail release and get back to living life while awaiting trial.

Don’t waste precious time in jail; contact A Way Out Bail Bonds at (214) 760-9978 in Dallas County or (817) 261-2828 in Tarrant County for swift bail bond assistance.

Contact A Way Out Bail Bonds to Get Out of Jail

If you end up in jail, or if one of your friends or loved ones is jailed, do not stay any longer than absolutely necessary. The bail bonds professionals at Just Bail Bonds in DFW are here to get you out of jail as quickly as possible. Contact us today at 817-261-2828 to find out more about how we can bail you out of jail right away.

Need to Bond Someone Out of Jail?

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214-760-9978
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