While bail bonds are typically a sufficient option for people to get their freedom back until they are given the opportunity to prove their case in court, unfortunately for low-income individuals, many are unable to cover the 10% bail premium that bondsmen charge to bail someone out of jail. As an example, if $10,000 is set as the bail amount, then $1,000 (10%) will be the bail fee that needs to be paid, and worst of all, it’s non-refundable no matter the outcome of the case. To assist those who can’t afford the 10% bail fee, we are sharing some options that can help low income families bail out their loved on.
Charitable bail funds, or other similarly termed free charity bail bond options are a great option to explore in freeing individuals who otherwise would not have a way out of jail. Before approaching bail funds, one should first go through the local jurisdiction to discuss lowering the set bail amount. A magistrate or judge can assess each individual case on the basis of low income to review and lower the set bail amount. After exhausting this options, the next step is to approach local charity bail funds to see if they can assist. We explain how bail funds work in this article and provide contact information for some of the major bail funds available.
Bail Reform
The cost associated with a bail bond, even if it’s only 10% of the bond, can be too much to afford. In such situation, helpless individuals are put in a situation where they are unable to leave jail until their are proven innocent in the court.
This creates a potential downward spiral for an individual and has spurred a bail reform movement. Someone that is unable to leave jail risks losing their job, school eligibility, and potentially relationships. Is it a fair system? We at Bail Bonds Network think that the process is not always fair and want to help those in need of help that simply can’t afford the 10% bail bond fee. We want to help people before their lives get even more difficult than they already are.
The good news is that many people are starting to realize that a problem does exist. We have done extensive research to find options for those that are unable to afford the 10% bail bond fee. There are options, although still limited since it’s early in development. Charitable bail funds are being created to help cover the 10% fee so people can be released from jail and move forward with their life. The goal is to help avoid job loss and further set-back for those that are already in a difficult situation financially.
The charity bail funds that we discovered are paving a new way until more options are available. We are listing the bail funds on our website and highlighting them ahead of others because they stand for the right thing – people’s freedom and a fair shake for everyone. Funds are currently being explored in additional cities like St. Louis, Miami, Cincinnati, Oakland, Philadelphia, and Austin.
Charitable Bail Organization
We encourage anyone that needs financial help to reach out to these funds. Those that are fortunate enough to have benefited from the funds or that have the resources to provide financial support, please contact the funds directly for a donation. It is a great cause as we strive to find the balance in supporting everyone during their time in need.
Massachusetts Bail Fund
2161 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02140
Brooklyn Community Bail Fund
195 Montague Street, 14th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Just City Memphis
Memphis, TN
Phone: (901)206-2226
Northwest Community Bail Fund
1245 10th Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: (206)323-0300
Chicago Community Bond Fund
PO Box 479015
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: 1-844-363-2663
The Bronx Freedom Fund
360 East 161st Street
Bronx, NY 10451
Connecticut Bail Fund
New Haven, CT
Phone: (203)340-1116
Numbers speak a thousand words. Our infographic on bail statistics shows just how much of an impact bail makes, and how trapped an individual can be if they are unable to get out of jail.
