A frantic call from a relative in jail can be scary. Your first reaction might be to bail him or her out, but it is possible that waiting is the best decision. To help you decide whether or not you should post bail for your loved one, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. 

Why Should You Post Bail?

One of the best reasons for posting bail for your loved one is that you can help him or her regain freedom. While in jail, your relative is missing out on being with other family and friends, going to work or school, and taking care of his or her home. If left in jail, your relative could lose his or her job, which could have a long-lasting impact.

Depending on the conditions in the jail, it can sometimes be an unsafe environment and your relative could face harassment or worse. By bailing him or her out now, you could potentially be protecting him or her from harm. 

Regardless of your relative's guilt or innocence, it is important that he or she is out of jail to work with an attorney. In jail, your relative cannot be as involved as he or she needs to be in building a defense. Interactions with those outside of the jail are sometimes limited and as a result, your loved one's defense can suffer. 

Out of jail, your relative can get involved in the case and ensure that the attorney is well-prepared for handling the case. 

Why Should You Not Post Bail?

There are a few reasons that paying the bail for your relative might not be the best option. For instance, staying in jail could result in a lower bail in some cases. 

Some jails use preset bail amounts to determine how much a person should pay to be released from jail. If your relative has a preset amount, there is a possibility that he or she might be able to convince a judge to lower the bail to a more acceptable amount. This is especially true if this is your relative's first arrest and he or she has good standing in the community. 

Another reason to wait on the bail is money. Depending on the amount of the bail, it might be too much to get your loved one out of jail. However, a bail bondsman can offer you help with securing your loved one's release for a percentage of what the jail is asking. 

Ultimately, whether or not to bail your relative is up to you. Carefully weigh your choices and even talk to a bondsman to determine the right decision. Click here for more info about bail bonds.