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Going into and Getting out of Jail

Being arrested and sent to jail can be overwhelming, especially for the uninitiated. Learning about the process—and the ways arrestees get out of jail—can help.  

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Defendants who are taken to jail are normally booked shortly upon arrival.

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Bail is cash, a bond, or property that an arrested person gives to a court to ensure that they will appear in court when ordered to do so.

Forfeiting bail isn't necessarily all an absent defendant will have to deal with. Learn the consequences of failing to show up at court after bailing out.

Learn what happens at a bail hearing, what evidence is considered, and when a defendant can ask for a bail review.

Some U.S. jurisdictions are using advanced formulas to evaluate the risks that defendants pose. Judges weigh these evaluations when considering pretrial release.

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