Austin Jail Release Attorney

Getting the call that a loved one is in jail is stressful, whether it has happened before or not. So many unknowns loom in these situations. How long will they have to stay in jail? Are they safe or scared? At GHC Law, we understand, and we can help. From the moment of contact, we will begin working for your loved one to speed up the process and defend their rights. Our experienced Austin jail release lawyers understand the process and can help quickly navigate the system to secure the best possible outcome.

The initial consultation call is free, and we will explain what happens next in terms you can understand. Being arrested is not a conviction – and being charged doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have to serve jail time or pay hefty fines. Let the GHC Law fight to find ways to make the law work in your favor and speed up the jail release process. Call us now at 512-614-4412 for the honest and determined help you deserve.

If this is your first time getting “the call” from Travis County jail, you are likely wondering what happens next. In Austin, the process begins with an arrest or notice to appear in court. Once arrested, the alleged offender will have their fingerprints and picture taken and held in jail until an appearance before the judge is scheduled (usually within 24-48 hours of the arrest). At the appearance, the judge will formally charge the individual and set a bond.

At this point, the accused can post bail to obtain a release from jail. However, bailing out of jail is just the beginning. The arrested individual must return on a specified court date to answer to the alleged criminal activity or face further punishment. Since criminal charges typically carry jail time, fines, or both, having experienced jail release lawyers in Austin, TX, fighting for your rights from day one can make all the difference in determining the future.

A bail bond represents the amount of money a person arrested and booked in jail can pay to secure release until reappearing in court. This bond is a security measure to ensure the accused attends future court hearings. Therefore, the bail may be revoked or forfeited, and an arrest warrant issued if the accused skips the scheduled court dates. For this reason, the more serious the offense or the more extensive the criminal history, the higher the bond for jail release. There are three types of bonds available in Travis County.

Personal Bonds

A personal bond is the best possible scenario for the arrested individual, as it requires no money exchange outside of minimal mandatory court fees. This type of bond, also called a PR bond, is a promise to the court that the arrested individual will appear at all future court dates. Personal bonds typically apply in cases where the accused does not have an extensive criminal history, the charged offense is not too severe, the bond amount is not too high, the charged offense is not too serious, and the defendant is not on probation.

Only an Austin jail release attorney or pretrial services, not a bondsman, can request a personal bond. Although an attorney is not required for pretrial services to grant a personal bond, retaining GHC Law’s Austin quick jail release lawyers can certainly expedite the process, reducing the total time spent in jail once arrested.

Cash Bond

A cash bond requires the arrestee to pay the full bond amount with cash, cashier’s check, or money order, as Travis County does not accept credit cards, personal checks, or other forms of payment. A cash bond is the next best scenario after a personal bond, and like a personal bond, a bail bondsman cannot request a cash bond on the accused behalf. With a cash bond, the money is returned once the case is over, provided the bond has not been forfeited by the accused (by fleeing or missing a court date). Although this option is expensive for the accused, it allows the option of recouping the amount paid, minus minimal mandatory court fees, after the case is resolved.

Surety Bond

This type of bond is what a bail bondsman uses to secure jail release. A surety bond is secured when the bondsman pays the money for bail, which assures the court that the accused will appear at all future court dates. To secure a surety bond, the accused must pay a bail bondsman a fee of 10 to 20 percent of the bond, which is the cost of using the bail bondsman and non-refundable. Therefore, after the case is over, the defendant will be out of pocket the percentage paid to the bail bondsman for their service.

There are several reasons why contacting an Austin, TX jail release attorney (rather than a bail bondsman) is the right move when someone you care for has been arrested. First and foremost,  in most cases, the accused will almost always be released faster with an experienced Austin jail release attorney working on their behalf and advocating for a swift release to await trial. Furthermore, it will mean that the case is in the hands of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can immediately begin a preliminary investigation of the critical details of the case. Finally, the attorney can make all necessary court appearances on the client’s behalf, informing them when an appearance is necessary, which helps relieve some stress on the client’s behalf.

Warrantless Arrests

As explained above, Austin jail release lawyers are instrumental in ensuring the arrested person’s rights are protected, securing their release, and building a defense strategy early in the legal process. They understand the booking process and what occurs afterward better than anyone else, including the necessary steps to secure a release as soon as possible. From the moment of contact, they are on the side of your loved one, fighting for justice and ensuring it’s served.

Arrests on Warrants

In the case of an arrest on a warrant, an Austin jail release attorney can still affect the outcome of the arrest. For example, they can carefully review the arrest warrant to ensure it was issued properly while complying with legal standards. In the case of any errors, such as lack of probable cause, the lawyer may challenge the warrant’s validity, potentially leading to the dismissal of charges. If the warrant is valid, then the defense attorney can still help fast-track jail release and ensure the accused fully understands their rights. From expediting bond paperwork to arguing on the accused behalf at the arraignment hearing, an Austin, TX, jail release attorney will help make the situation better by advocating for the defendant’s best interests.

The fastest way to get out of jail when arrested in Travis County is by calling an Austin jail release attorney as soon as possible. The timeline is dependent on the specifics of the accused’s arrest, the time of arrest, any past criminal record, and more. However, the peace of mind of knowing your loved one is being guided and supported by an experienced professional intent on fast-tracking their release as soon as possible is invaluable.

The criminal defense attorneys at GHC Law Firm have years of experience navigating the Travis County Court System, knowing exactly who to call and what to do to expedite jail releases after an arrest. Our team of criminal defense attorneys has decades of combined experience working with Travis County prosecutors and judges, ensuring the swiftest resolution possible after an arrest. We are dedicated to providing legal expertise and representation in a language you can understand. We put the client first above all else, helping them efficiently navigate the confusion and uncertainty of an arrest and fight for justice at every turn.