If you’ve never had to bail someone out of jail, you’re not alone. But you’re also probably swimming in rumors, Google half-truths, and advice from your cousin who once got arrested in Waco.
At Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds in Fort Worth, we hear the same myths over and over. And the problem with bad information is that it wastes time, raises stress, and sometimes even keeps people stuck in jail longer than necessary.
So let’s clear up the confusion. Here are the four biggest bail bond misconceptions and what’s actually true.
Myth #1: “Bail Is Automatic.”
You’d think that after an arrest, bail would just be part of the process. But that’s not always the case.
In Texas, a judge has to review the details before deciding:
- Is this person a danger to others?
- Are they likely to skip court?
- What does their record look like?
Some people are released right away on a preset bail schedule. Others have to wait for a bail hearing, especially for more serious charges. And if it’s a capital case or there’s a big risk of flight, the judge can deny bail altogether.
If you don’t know whether bail has been set yet, give us a call. We’ll check the booking status and walk you through your options—no strings attached.
Myth #2: “Bail Bonds Are Only for Felonies or Serious Crimes.”
Nope. We bond people out for all kinds of stuff like missed court dates, unpaid tickets, first-time DUI charges, and even minor drug possession.
Judges can (and do) set bail for:
- Class B misdemeanors
- Failure to appear
- Probation violations
- Minor assault or theft
In fact, many folks sitting in the Tarrant County jail are there not because their charge is serious, but because they just couldn’t afford bail.
A bail bond is just a guarantee that someone will show up to court. It has nothing to do with guilt, innocence, or how “bad” the crime was.
Myth #3: “Bail Bond Agents Can Get Your Bail Lowered.”
We’d love to, but that’s just not how it works.
A judge sets the bail, period. It’s based on court guidelines, past history, the nature of the crime, and what the lawyers argue in court.
We can’t negotiate the bail amount. What we can do is help you:
- Only pay a small percentage upfront (usually 10%)
- Avoid sitting in jail while you wait for your court date
- Arrange payment plans or collateral options if money’s tight
If you think the bail is way too high, your best bet is to talk to a defense lawyer about a bond reduction hearing. We’ll still be here if and when it gets lowered.
Myth #4: “You Have to Pay the Full Bail in Cash.”
This one keeps a lot of people stuck in jail longer than they need to be. Here’s the truth:
- If bail is $20,000, you do not have to come up with $20K.
- With a bail bond, you typically pay 10%—that’s $2,000 in this case.
- And no, it doesn’t have to be all cash.
At Big Bubba’s, we accept:
- Credit or debit cards
- Payment plans
- Family or friend co-signers
We’ve even worked with folks who had to piece the money together from two or three sources. That’s okay. Our job is to help, not make it harder.
Don’t Let Confusion Keep You Stuck! Call Big Bubba!
If you’re in Fort Worth and someone you care about is sitting in jail, the last thing you need is bad advice or outdated assumptions.
Call Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds anytime, day or night, holidays or weekends. We’ve walked thousands of families through this, and we’ll do the same for you. Straight talk, clear terms, and no guilt trips.
Let’s get the facts, skip the nonsense, and get your loved one home.
