Can we get bail reduced to get a family member out of jail?

Yes, there are in fact ways to help reduce bail. Bail is essentially what guarantees that a person will be attending his next scheduled hearing. It is money deposited so that a person can await his court appointment outside of jail because it is assumed that the person would want to get his money back. A poor man’s bail, therefore, is very different from a rich man’s bail. Failure to come up with the amount means that a person will have to await his hearings in jail.

The court takes into consideration a lot of factors in setting a bail amount. Having ties in the community -- family members, for instance -- is looked upon positively in reducing bail. Being employed in the community helps, as well. On the other hand, missing previous court appointments will only raise the bail amount. A person may even be denied bail if he is considered as a danger to society and how much money the person can afford to pay factors in too.

If a person cannot afford his bail, a lawyer can help in lowering the set bail amount. The lawyer can make a motion or petition the court to reduce bail during the arraignment hearing itself or at a separate bail hearing. Here, a lawyer will be given the chance to prove that his client is not a flight risk.

If all else fails, a person has the option of paying a bond. For a lesser amount than the set bail, he will be released from jail since it is the bond company who will come up with the money to pay the court. Remember, though, that bond companies often charge huge interest.