How to Post Bail for Multiple Charges

Getting arrested is scary enough, but facing multiple charges can make the situation feel overwhelming. Posting bail for one charge is complicated enough, let alone several. But with some key information, you or your loved one can get out of jail while awaiting trial.

Understanding the Charges

The first thing to do is understand exactly what someone is being charged with. The booking sheet from the jail should list all the charges. Some common examples of multiple charges include:

• DUI plus hit-and-run
• Assault plus domestic violence
• Drug possession plus intent to distribute

The charges can be all misdemeanors, all felonies, or a mix. It helps to lookup the definitions and potential sentences for each charge to understand their severity.

Getting Information on Bail

After an arrest with multiple charges, the next step is finding out the bail amount set for each charge. There may be:

• One bail amount covering all charges
• Separate bail for each charge
• No bail allowed for certain very serious felonies

Call the jail or look up the bail information online through the county sheriff’s office website. Write down the amounts; having multiple charges means keeping track of more moving pieces.

Calculating Total Bail

If there is separate bail per charge, you’ll need to tally up the total amount to secure release from jail. For example:

• DUI: $1,500
• Hit-and-run: $2,000
• Total bail: $3,500

However, sometimes the judge sets bail at the highest amount among the charges. So if the DUI bail was $1,500 and the hit-and-run was $2,000, the total bail would be $2,000.

The math can get more complicated if bail bonds or percentage-based payments are involved. The bondsman’s fees must be factored in as well.

Paying Multiple Bails with a Bondsman

While bail bonds are an option for covering multiple bails, their typical 10% fee applies to each separate charge amount. So with the $1,500 DUI bail and $2,000 hit-and-run bail above, you may pay:

• 10% of $1,500 DUI bail = $150
• 10% of $2,000 hit-and-run bail = $200
• Total bondsman fees: $350

The bondsman pays the $3,500 total bail to the court on your behalf, but you owe the bondsman their $350 fee plus the original $3,500 bail when the case concludes. And if you miss a payment, they can revoke the bond!

Using Bail Funds or Family Support

Another option is turning to community bail funds or family members to try covering the full bail amounts yourself, without involving a bondsman. The benefit is avoiding fees, but you don’t get that money back – and the amounts are often higher than what a bondsman would charge.

If family can’t cover the large sums, reach out to a nonprofit bail fund. They pay directly to the court and allow release from jail, but have eligibility requirements and application processes.

Getting Legal Help

A criminal defense lawyer is invaluable for navigating multiple charges and bail. They can potentially negotiate with the prosecution to:

• Get charges dropped or reduced to lessen bail
• Have charges consolidated so there is just one bail amount
• Argue to a judge for lower or no bail

They understand the complexities of multiple charges, sentencing, defenses, and securing pre-trial release better than a family member or friend may. Having an advocate sets the best path toward resolution.