Coming to know the police have arrested your son in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an overwhelming scenario. You will likely experience mixed emotions: worry, fear, anger, et cetera. You may want your son out of custody as soon as possible and home with you pending figuring out what happened. This can be possible through posting bail. However, before posting bail, you want to ask yourself whether it is the right thing to do. This blog explores the various considerations before deciding whether or not to bail out your son.
Assessing the Move to Post Bail for Your Son
The decision to or not to post bail for your son needs careful consideration of different elements. Posting bail is not a mere financial transaction. It is an intricate decision that entails weighing the advantages of enabling your son to walk free and the possible long-term repercussions of their criminal activity. This is when your maternal or paternal instincts to support and protect your minor are tested against the difficult realities of personal responsibility and legal issues.
As you think about what you are going to do, you must think beyond simply freeing the child from custody immediately. Think about:
- The child's future,
- Yours and their financial situation
- The potential effect of their criminal charges on the family's dynamics,
- The lessons the child needs to learn
- The child's willingness to change
Comprehending Your Son’s Charges and Possible Consequences
Understanding the nature of your child's charges is key. In Nevada, crimes such as shoplifting and vandalism are prevalent among youths. However, in more serious cases, they may be facing criminal charges for burglary, drug trafficking, rape, or murder.
Knowing the legal repercussions of your child's charges is equally essential. The seriousness of the criminal charges should significantly contribute to deciding whether to make bail.
Considering Behavioral Patterns and Repeat Offenses
Ask yourself whether that is your son’s first legal problem or if it indicates recurring conduct. If it is a recurring conduct, there is a need for a more structured approach instead of merely posting bail for him.
Evaluating Your Son's Readiness to Change
Evaluating your son's readiness to change is also a significant factor when deciding to post bail. Is your son willing to assume responsibility for what they did? Is he accountable for his conduct and self-sufficient in managing his finances?
It is essential to consider factors like generation, age, disruptive conduct, and other family-related aspects when assessing your son's willingness to change. You could support your son in the changing process by implementing strict rules and boundaries to:
- Encourage independence,
- Address unlawful conduct and
- Engage in honest talks about the resulting consequences
Financial Considerations Before Posting Bail for Your Son
While deciding whether or not to pay bail for your son, you should also consider the financial effects. Do not only consider the bail amount or bail bond cost but also the effect it will have on family finances.
The Bail Amount and Cost of a Bail Bond
Bail amounts can be high. For a first-time offender, bail could range between $500 and $2,500. For a second-time offender, the bail value can be more than 10,000 U.S. dollars. More severe charges, such as murder in the second degree, can carry hundreds of thousands of dollars in bail. However, the ultimate amount the judge determines can vary greatly depending on the specific case facts.
If you wish to hire a bail bond service, you must pay the company a fee before they post the bond for you. This fee is usually 15 percent of the entire bail amount in Nevada. For example, if your son's bail is $100,000, you must pay $10,000 to the bond company to secure their release. Remember, this amount is non-refundable whether or not your son wins their case. Some companies will want you to provide collateral.
If you post bail and your son fails to attend court, you may forfeit all that money. You may also be subject to additional consequences. If you had contracted a bond company to post your son's bail, they will forfeit the bond money if your son fails to appear in court. Then, they can pursue you to recover the money or sell the collateral you provided.
Weighing the Effect on Family Financial Situation
The set bail amount can equal several months of a person’s income, resulting in families facing significant immediate financial strains. Many families are incapable of covering the whole bail value with cash. In these cases, they must seek help from a bondsman, to whom they must pay a premium. The premium can amount to thousands of dollars, further complicating a family's financial situation and increasing risk.
Additionally, paying a significant bail value can have long-term financial implications, exacerbating racial and economic disparities. The financial effect might burden your son and family substantially over time. That said, financial strain is a critical aspect to consider.
When Showing Tough Love Could Be The Ideal Thing
Sometimes, tough love may be the ideal way to make your son learn from their mistakes. This involves setting firm boundaries and implementing consequences, like not allowing your son to return home without seeking help. Or, it can involve refusing to provide your son with financial aid, even when it will result in them facing considerable difficulties. Tough love could also mean not bailing your son out and letting the law take its course.
Tough love helps address repeat violations by:
- Establishing closer relationships with guardians or parents
- Encouraging responsibility
- Teaching the right aggression management
- Fostering high-self esteem
Find Reputable Bail Bond Services Near Me
Having your son behind bars is stressful. Deciding whether to post bail for them is even more stressful. Your mind and heart will no doubt conflict when making this decision. However, you need to think carefully and consider the enduring consequences of your actions. Consider what decision will benefit him better and whether that is the first or last time you should bail him out.
If you require assistance posting bail for your son in Las Vegas, NV, do not hesitate to contact Express Bail Bonds. Our bondsmen operate 24/7 and boast the experience to assist you in avoiding making errors during the bail process. They will guide you through your son's court preparations when he is out of custody. We offer flexible payment options and compassionate support. Call us at 702-633-2245 and allow us to assist you in securing your son's jail release.