During many situations where a bail amount is set for someone who has been jailed and charged with a crime, the amount will look intimidating at first glance. Many people simply don’t have the kinds of loose cash to pay what can be exorbitant bail sums – but luckily, there are several alternatives to cash bail available.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we’re proud to serve as one such bail alternative: The use of bail bonds, which are often the top non-cash bail option available. Here’s a rundown of bail bonds, plus a few other possible options that might be available to you or a loved one as a bail alternative after an arrest.

Bail Bonds as a Bail Alternative

The single most common alternative to cash bail is a surety bond, or bail bond. These are where the defendant pays a fee to a bail bond company – generally around 10 percent of the total bail amount set by the court – and then that company guarantees payment to the court if the defendant fails to appear for their scheduled court dates.

Bail bonds are an excellent alternative because they offer significant financial relief from having to come up with large sums of money on short notice. Additionally, bail bond companies have established relationships with courts and can often expedite the release process for defendants.

Now, bail bonds do come with certain requirements and conditions. For instance, the bail bond company may require collateral to secure the bond (such as property or vehicles), and if the defendant fails to appear in court, the bond company has the right to send a bounty hunter after them. This means that it’s crucial for the defendant to adhere to all court dates and follow any other conditions set by the bail bond company.

Release on Recognizance

Also known as OR release (own recognizance), this is a type of bail alternative where the court releases the defendant without requiring any payment. This is generally reserved for low-risk defendants who are unlikely to flee or pose a threat to public safety.

For instance, a defendant who is charged with a non-violent misdemeanor and has ties to the community (such as a stable job or family members in the area) may be eligible for OR release. This is an excellent option for those who are unable to afford bail and don’t have access to other forms of bail alternatives.

However, as you may have guessed, many charge types or individuals will not qualify for OR release due to their risk level. If you have been charged with a more serious crime or have a history of failing to appear in court, it’s unlikely that the judge will grant a release on recognizance.

Pre-Trial Services Release

Many areas of Utah utilize pre-trial services as a bail alternative. This is where the court assigns a release officer to monitor the defendant and ensure they comply with all court conditions until their trial date.

Pre-trial services may require defendants to check in regularly, participate in drug or alcohol testing, or adhere to a curfew. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in revocation of this bail alternative and re-arrest.

Getting Legal Help

While legal assistance is not on its own a form of non-cash bail option, it can be a critical component in several parts of the bail process. A good lawyer can help you understand what types of bail alternatives may be available to you, as well as determine if your bail amount is excessive and potentially petition for a reduction.

Additionally, if you are unable to afford any form of bail alternative or legal representation, the court will assign a public defender to represent you during your trial. This can greatly improve your chances of a fair outcome in court.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we believe that everyone deserves access to their legal rights, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer affordable 24/7 bail bond services and work closely with clients to find the best possible solution for their individual needs.

Don’t let lack of funds or resources keep you or your loved one stuck in jail. Contact Beehive Bail Bonds today to learn more about our services and how we can help secure your release from custody, whether you’re in Park City, Heber City or any nearby area. We’re standing by to take your call 24/7.