When someone is arrested for a DUI, many thoughts likely swirl through their heads. Maybe they’re thinking about their future, or what their loved ones might say. Perhaps they are concerned they might lose their job. Or maybe they’re thinking about how they can get out of jail and start to get their life back on track. Fortunately for those arrested, bail bonds offer a way to get out of jail after an arrest quickly. Here’s what you need to know about bail bonds after a DUI arrest in Miami.

The Bail Process

In some DUI cases, court’s may refuse to release the person arrested on a recognizance basis and may require they provide a financial guarantee that they’ll make their arranged court appearance. This financial guarantee is also known as bail. Bail is a set amount of cash needed for the person to be released from police custody. One of the conditions of release is the promise to appear at the scheduled hearing. If a person attends their hearing, the bail amount is refunded. If they fail to appear, however, they are subject to arrest and can’t reclaim the bail amount.

Determining Bail

Bail generally predetermined through a “bail schedule.” Because of this predetermined schedule, many people can pay their bond immediately after booking. If they can’t pay after booking, a judge will determine the individual’s bail amount at a hearing.  At this hearing, the judge may either adhere to the bail schedule or decide the appropriate bail amount based on a variety of factors, including the seriousness of the DUI charge, the person’s driving history, and the community and family ties, as well as the employment of the person charged.

Paying Bail

When the judge sets the bail amount, the charged person needs to submit payment to the court to secure their release. If they can’t afford to pay the bail amount, they can contact a bail bond agent to settle the amount on their behalf. A bail bondsman charges a non-refundable fee, usually around 10-percent of the total bail amount. The bail bondsman may also require collateral, in case the person doesn’t appear in court as ordered. The bail bondsman agrees to forfeit the remaining bail amount if the person doesn’t attend the court hearing and may sell the collateral to recover their losses.

Contact an Experienced South Florida DUI Attorney

If the police stop you and charge you with a DUI, make sure you follow their directions, don’t speak or incriminate yourself, and post a bond with a bail bondsman. After, make sure you contact an experienced South Florida DUI attorney right away.

Chad Piotrowski has an extensive background in defending his clients from charges ranging from DUI and drug possession to armed drug trafficking and murder. A former prosecutor in Dade County, Chad Chad has the uncanny ability to anticipate prosecution strategies to help build a solid defense to help obtain the best possible outcome for his clients.

If you are looking for an experienced and passionate legal defense lawyer who will relentlessly fight for you, call Piotrowski Law today at (954) 947-5000 for your free consultation.