If a defendant cannot afford the bail amount set by the court, what can they do?

Seeking assistance from a bail bondsman or applying for a reduced bail hearing is the correct course of action for a defendant who cannot afford the bail amount set by the court. A bail bondsman can provide the defendant with a financial solution by agreeing to post the bail in exchange for a fee, typically a percentage of the total bail amount. This allows the defendant to be released from jail while awaiting their court date without having to pay the full bail amount upfront.

Additionally, applying for a reduced bail hearing is a viable option. A defendant can request a hearing to argue that the bail set by the court is too high based on their financial situation, personal circumstances, or other relevant factors. If the court agrees, it may reduce the bail amount, making it more affordable for the defendant.

While options such as obtaining a private loan or starting a crowdfunding campaign may seem appealing, these solutions do not address the legal process involved in securing release from custody. Negotiating directly with the judge is also not a standard practice, as judges typically do not engage in such negotiations outside of a formal hearing process.