Bail vs. Remaining In Custody

Question: My boyfriend is in jail and is eligible for bail, he is being charged with possession of a controlled substance.  His charge should be dropped because he has proof of  a prescription.  He will have to go court in about 2 weeks, but he really wants out.  In order to bail him out I have to pay $700 for the bail bondsman fee, but I know I will not get my money back when the case is over. We have a 7 month old baby and I know he will not be patient enough to wait until his court date, which is 10 days away.  If the case is dropped or dismissed he will be out free without having to have paid $700.  I need your opinion as to what I should do.  Do I bail him out or leave him in jail until his court date?

Answer:  Ten days is a long time to wait in jail.   If he has a job he needs to go to, you might want to get him out — jobs are hard to come by at this point.

If he does not work or provide care for your daughter, you may want to consider the cost of bail bonds.   How much of a financial hardship would it be even if you pay the $700?  Something else to consider is the emotional cost to you, him and your child if you decide to leave him there.

What it really comes down to is that it’s really a personal decision. It sounds like you know and understand what you are getting yourself into such as the the cost and fees.  You also know him and his personal situation well enough to know he will go to court so that is not a risk to you. From here, it’s what is best for your family.  I wish you the best of luck.

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