My friend's brother is in jail right now for being caught with smoking marjuanna. He was not caught with it in his hand but right now he is in jail and his court date will be in 2 weeks. My friend told me that he has to bail him with like $604. I offered to bail him out because I help my friends out and I am a nice guy. He said that if he bails him out then he does not have to go to court because that is like a court fine or something. When he pays the $604 my friend said that he is out for good and he does not have to show up to court. I talked to two of my friends. They told me that that aint true and he will be out if I bail him but will have to go back to court and do his time. WHO IS RIGHT??? PLEASE HELP ME OUT! thank you 8)
2007-04-11 15:03:41 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Since he is in jail now, it appears that the offense is being treated as a crime and not an infraction. Therefore he must appear in court or a bench warrant will be issued and the penalty will be greater when he is caught.
I'd be real careful before I spent my money to bail out someone who doesn't plan to show up for court. But it is your money.
2007-04-11 15:10:04 · answer #1 · answered by Scotty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to a bail bonds company first. They will explain the risks to you and you might be able to get him out cheaper (usually around 10% of the bail).
If the $604 is for the bail bonds company, then there must be a lot more to the story than just a burning roach. I mean $6000 bail for a single joint?
If I posted bail, I would demand that he goes to court and even arrange to take him there myself. If the $604 is to pay the court costs and the fine, be sure to keep the reciepts. Then work out a repayment deal with the brother. Also contact the DA's office and ask them if the matter is resolved to their satisfaction (and that of the judge) they will tell you if he needs to appear in court again.
It is your money, and you can do what you want with it. Personally, investing it in a Roth IRA would be a hell of a lot smarter.
2007-04-11 22:27:43 · answer #2 · answered by Kevin k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's true that paying the $604 is the end of the matter, what makes you think you'll ever see that money again?
No matter what you answer to that, "You're wrong!" You will not see it again. The court isn't going to give it back, and if your friend's brother could pay you, he could pay his own fine, and he's really not going to feel like paying you when he probably has some dope to go buy to replace what was taken in the bust.
Now, if it's not true, it is obvious that he doesn't plan to go back, so the money will be forfeited, and you'll get no end of sob stories about how unfair it is because they TOLD him he didn't have to come back, and now they need 2 grand to bail him out.
Don't pay it. Shred it and use it for kitty litter instead. At least it'll serve you a useful purpose.
2007-04-11 22:20:08 · answer #3 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bail him out of jail. He has to show up in court or else the court will issue a bench warrant or capias to pick the guy up again.
He needs a lawyer. If he cant afford one he gets a public defender. If at all possible, he should hire a lawyer.
Most states prosecute this kind of offence as a misdemeanor and levy a fine.
But he's still got to show up in court. Its better to plead not guilty and try and plead this out to something that won't ruin his life later on.
2007-04-11 22:15:10 · answer #4 · answered by krollohare2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋