How Do Bail Bonds Work in Virginia?

An Example of the Bail Bond Process

If you are arrested, or if you learn that a family member or friend has been taken into custody by the police, you may not know what will happen next and what you or your loved one can do to get out of jail. The bail process can be confusing for people who do not have a great deal of experience with police and court procedures. Fortunately, Break Out Bail Bonds is here to help.

Our bail agents can act quickly to ensure that bail is posted right away. We can work with you to determine the most affordable way to pay the related fees, and we can take the proper steps with personnel at local jails and courthouses to make sure the proper amount is paid. We will work to ensure that the bail process goes smoothly, preventing unnecessary delays and making sure you can meet all of the court's requirements.

An Example of the Bail Bond Process

One example of a situation where a person may be arrested and required to post bail is an arrest on DUI charges. When police officers pull someone over because they suspect that they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may ask questions about whether the person has been drinking, and they may also ask the person to take a roadside breathalyzer test or field sobriety tests. If they gain enough information to provide probable cause, they will perform an arrest and take the person into custody.

Booking Process

After the arrest, a person will be transported to a police station or detention facility for booking. Officers will gather the person's information, including their contact information and other details. They will also have their fingerprints and photograph taken. They will also be asked to take a test to determine whether they were driving under the influence. This may be either a breathalyzer or blood test.

Arraignment

After the booking process is complete, the next step is the arraignment. During this court hearing, the person will be informed of the formal charges against them, and they can enter a plea, which will usually be "not guilty." At this point, bail will typically be set.

For DUI cases in Virginia, the amount of bail a person will be required to pay can vary depending on several factors, including whether this is a first-time offense, whether the person has any previous criminal convictions, whether the person is accused of injuring someone in an accident, or whether they may be considered to be a flight risk who will not appear in court at a later date. Depending on what a judge believes is appropriate, bail may be between several hundred and several thousand dollars.

Posting Bail

Once the court sets an amount that must be paid, the person will have the option of paying the full bail amount to the court or using a bail bond service. If the person chooses to obtain a bail bond, they will usually only pay around 10% of the amount set by the judge. Once bail has been paid, the person will be released.

Conditions of Bail

In addition to specifying an amount of bail, a judge may set certain conditions that a person must follow in order to be released. In DUI cases, these conditions may include a requirement to receive substance abuse treatment or check in with a court officer on a regular basis.

A person may also be required to wear a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) bracelet that will record the alcohol content in their system. At Break Out Bail Bonds, we provide SCRAM bracelets and GPS monitoring devices in addition to bail bond services, and we can ensure that our clients meet all conditions to ensure that they can be released from jail.

Contact a Fairfax County Bail Bondsman

If you have been arrested, or if you are looking to help a loved one get out of jail, Break Out Bail Bonds is here to help you 24/7. We provide affordable payment options, and we will ensure that bail is posted quickly so that you can avoid the problems that come with being held in police custody. Contact us online or call 703-672-3623 to get fast, reliable help with bail bonds.