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A Guide to Types of Bail in New Jersey

If you’re facing criminal charges in New Jersey, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of bail. Posting bail is crucial so you can be active in your defense in a New Jersey criminal trial.

Generally, there are four types of bail in New Jersey. The most appealing is no bail, or being released on your own recognizance (ROR). Next is cash bail. If you can’t post cash bail, you may have to resort to a property bond or bail bond. Not only will posting bail allow you to await your New Jersey criminal trial at home, but it will also allow you to confer with your attorney more easily. So, it’s important to hire a lawyer to help you understand the different types of bail in New Jersey and which of them to choose.

Our attorneys are here to help New Jersey defendants facing criminal charges. For a free case evaluation with the Atlantic City criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John J. Zarych, call today at (609) 616-4956.

Different Types of Bail in New Jersey

If you’ve been arrested and arraigned for a crime in New Jersey, you may have to pay bail. A New Jersey judge will set your bail amount at a hearing or release you on your own recognizance. When a judge sets bail, you’ll have several options for paying it, so you don’t have to await your trial in jail. Generally speaking, the three bail payment options in New Jersey are cash bail, property bonds, and bail bonds.

Cash Bail

Paying bail with cash is generally the easiest option for New Jersey defendants. However, that doesn’t mean that this bail payment method is the most accessible. Essentially, a cash bail means that you pay bail with cash. Often, criminal defendants only have to pay 10% of their set bail with cash. That being said, defendants facing first or second-degree criminal charges may have to pay cash bail in full to be released from jail for the duration of their trial. It’s important to note that cash bail isn’t always an option, so ask your New Jersey criminal defense attorney if you qualify.

Property Bond

Property bonds in New Jersey are relatively complicated but an option if you don’t want to await your trial in jail. Simply put, property bonds work by posting an asset, like your home or other property, in place of cash. A defendant’s property is used as collateral, so to speak, so that they can remain at home while adhering to the conditions of their bail and maintaining any required court appearances. Securing a property bond can be difficult. A significant amount of paperwork is involved to ensure that the property is considered proper security. While a property bond may appear like a risk, there’s little risk involved if you plan to follow the conditions of your bail set by a New Jersey judge.

Bail Bond

For some New Jersey criminal defendants, electing a bail bond is a more accessible, safer option. Instead of paying your bail yourself, you can reach out to a bail bond agent to help you. The agent will pay the entirety of your bail for you. Of course, you will need to repay the amount you owe throughout the course of your trial. If you plan to use a bail bond, it’s important that you consult your South Jersey criminal defense attorney. Your lawyer can help you through the process and ensure that you work with a reputable bail bond agent.

Released on Your Own Recognizance

The ideal type of bail in New Jersey is no bail at all. This is known as being released on your own recognizance (ROR). A New Jersey judge may grant you ROR if you’re not deemed a flight risk or the crime you’re awaiting trial for isn’t severe. Some criminal defendants in New Jersey aren’t eligible for ROR, so ask your criminal defense attorney if you are. ROR can be rare in certain situations and is certainly not guaranteed, regardless of the crime you stand accused of. If you’re granted ROR, you won’t have to await trial in jail, and you won’t have to pay bail.

Why is it Important to Hire an Attorney When Facing Bail in New Jersey?

If, after getting arrested for a crime in New Jersey, there is sufficient evidence to warrant a criminal trial, defendants will be charged, and bail will be set. Having a skilled attorney by your side during this time is crucial to reduce your bail and allow you to await trial in the comfort of your home.

Without an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney, it’s rare for defendants to be released on their own recognizance. Your lawyer can show a New Jersey judge that you aren’t a flight risk and that there is ample reason to release you on your own recognizance. Only a skilled attorney can give you the best chance at being granted ROR and not having to pay bail.

While some New Jersey crimes immediately exclude defendants from being released on their own recognizance, your lawyer can help reduce your bail. Generally speaking, prosecutors in New Jersey will request the highest bail possible for defendants. If you have an experienced Ocean City criminal defense attorney in your corner, they can argue for reduced bail. This can help your family more easily afford cash bail, if it is an option for you.

Posting bail is important so that your attorney can have easy access to you and you can help build your defense. If you have to resort to a bail bond or property bond to pay bail, your attorney can help guide you. It’s important to understand the risks you’re taking by electing to post bail in the form of a property bond or a bail bond. Your lawyer can point you to professionals they’ve worked with in the past and trust so that you can successfully post bail and await trial at your home.

Call Our Attorneys Today if You’re Facing Criminal Charges in New Jersey

If you’re facing criminal charges in New Jersey, call our lawyers for help. For a free case evaluation with the Sea Isle City criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John J. Zarych, call today at (609) 616-4956.

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