When someone is arrested, unless it’s for certain misdemeanors where there is a scheduled amount of bail, they will have to appear before a magistrate by videoconference who will set their bail.
Bail can be posted in one of three ways: an all cash bond, lien on real estate, or through a bondsman. The first two options don’t cost much. Once the case is over, the cash is returned or the property released.
Going through a bondsman costs about 10% to 12% of the bond amount, and you don’t get it back. So, if you have to post a $50,000 bond, it will cost you $5,000 to $6,000 and that money is gone. A much better option in a case like that is to find someone in your family who has some equity in their home or other real estate who could post a property bond for you.