How to Get Released from Jail As Quickly As Possible

You’re in jail. You’re alone. You’re worried. What do you do?  Oftentimes, the first thoughts of every arrestee are immediate release. The most common path to release is making bail.

Bail can take the form of cash, a bond, or property given to the court by the arrestee. This is an assurance to the court that the arrestee will return to the court when ordered to do so. The amount of your bail depends on the severity of the crime, as well as your risk of flight, and is subject to a judge’s discretion to take into account aggravating or mitigating factors.

While there are many release options, the most common are:

1) Cash or Check in Full Amount: This occurs when the arrestee is able to pay the entire bail in full.

2) Surety Bond/Bail Bond: This is used when the arrestee is unable to pay in bail in full. The process begins with contacting a bail bondsman. A bail bondsman then promises to pay the full value of the bond if the arrestee doesn’t appear for his court date. In return for these services, the bail bondsman will charge a premium, usually 10% of the bail.

3) Own Recognizance: Sometimes an arrestee may be released on his own recognizance, meaning, he is responsible for showing up for his court dates. These are usually given to those charged with minor, nonviolent crimes and where the defendant is not considered dangerous or a flight risk, meaning, one who has a high likelihood of fleeing.

4) Citation Release: These are usually given to less-serious offenders. An officer will give the arrestee a citation telling the arrestee that he must appear at the indicated court date. In this case, there is no booking procedure and depends on the arrestee’s voluntary return to court.

5) Property: A defendant may sometimes be able to use property as a bond if the court gets a lien on the property in the amount of the bail. Thus, if the arrestee doesn’t show up for his court date, the court forecloses on the property to recover the price of bail.

If you are unsure of how to get released from jail as quickly as possible, contact a local Maryland defense lawyer for advice today at (301) 854-9000.

5 Things to Look For Before Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer

The law is often a terrifying thing. No one is thrilled that they need to hire a lawyer. However, accidents happen and mistakes are made, and being prepared beforehand is the best possible way to reduce your anxiety in a time of crisis.

Finding the right lawyer to represent you, whether it be for DUI charges, assault, or a speeding ticket violation, is of the utmost importance. This individual is going to be the one responsible for your future, and therefore you want to make sure to choose wisely.

We have taken the time to answer five common questions.

1. What is your consultation process?

We offer a free consultation process. We are available via telephone, email, and livechat, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, we can talk with you in whatever language you prefer. We have staff members fluent in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

2. Do you have testimonials available? How do I know your reputation?

Our fundamental source of new clients is client referrals. We take pride in our results. We have a five star rating on Google Plus and Facebook. We have a level ten rating on AVVO.

 Many of our clients write statements about their experience with our firm and we urge you to read them. This information is the best way to get a sense of our work, commitment to our clients, and results.

3. What is your experience?                                 

You want a lawyer with experience in your PARTICULAR kind of case. Our litigation team lives, works, and studies, in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. We are local lawyers with National recognition for our trial advocacy. Mr. Portner, our managing partner, has been recognized by the multi-million dollar advocacy forum for his success in the courtroom. He is also a distinguished Top One Hundred National Trial Lawyer.

4. How will they expect to bill you?

We are very open and forthcoming about our billing process. In terms of our criminal defense fee, we traditionally bill a flat fee. This depends on the charge, location, and amount of preparation necessary.

5. How will you communicate with us?

We are always available. You can reach out to us on Facebook, email, or phone. We take pride in our responsiveness and communication. We have an experienced litigation team that will keep you updated on every step of your case and what we are doing for you. 

If you have been charged with a crime in Maryland, call us today for a free consultation at (301) 854-9000.