We get this call more often than you’d think: “My brother got arrested in another state. I’m in Fort Worth. Can I bail him out from here?”
Luckily, the short answer is yes—you can. However, there are more details you’ll need to understand to help regain your brother’s freedom.
At Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds, we’ve helped plenty of families in Fort Worth handle this kind of situation with as little stress as possible. It’s tough enough when someone you love is in trouble. You shouldn’t have to become a legal expert overnight just to help them get home.
Here’s exactly how it works, what to watch out for, and how we can help you get it done the right way.
First, Understand That Bail Works State by State
Every state runs its own legal show. That means the rules, forms, and even the fees can look different depending on where your loved one is locked up.
So, while you can post bail from out of state, you have to do it according to the arresting state’s rules—not Texas’s.
Let’s say your cousin gets arrested in Georgia. You can’t just walk into our Fort Worth bail bond office and sign some papers. You’ll need a bondsman licensed to post bail in Georgia or one with partnerships or connections who can facilitate the process for you.
How to Bail Someone Out from Another State (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how the bail bond process in these situations usually unfolds:
1. Find Out Where They’re Being Held
You’ll need the city, county, and jail name. If they’ve just been arrested, it might take a couple of hours for the information to show up in the system.
2. Call the Jail
Ask about the charges, the bail amount, and whether the person is eligible for release. Sometimes they’ll give this info freely. Other times, only the defendant or their attorney can obtain the details.
3. Find a Local Bondsman (or Call Us First)
If you’re bailing someone out in another state, it’s usually fastest to use a bondsman in that state. But if that feels like finding a needle in a haystack, give us a call. We’ve built trusted relationships with agents across the country, and we’ll happily point you in the right direction.
4. Co-Sign the Bond
You’ll sign paperwork stating that you’ll be responsible if the person fails to appear in court. That means if they don’t show up, you could be on the hook for the full bail amount. Make sure you trust them to follow through.
5. Pay the Fee
Most bail bond fees are 10% of the total bail amount. So, for a $15,000 bail, you’d typically pay $1,500. This fee is nonrefundable and is the cost of the service.
6. Stay in Touch
After they’re released, make sure your loved one knows their court dates, follows all conditions, and checks in with the bondsman if required. One misstep can mean a warrant gets issued again.
What Trips People Up About Out-of-State Bail?
There are a few things that can complicate the process:
- Some bondsmen only work locally and won’t touch out-of-state cases.
- Paperwork can take longer. You might need to fax, scan, or overnight documents.
- Time zones matter. If they’re in Florida and it’s 8 p.m. in Fort Worth, the jail may already be closed.
- Court schedules vary. If they were arrested on a weekend, they may not see a judge for 48–72 hours.
But the biggest mistake? Trying to do it all alone. That’s where we come in.
How Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds Can Help—Even Across State Lines
At Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds, we’re based in Fort Worth, but our network reaches far beyond city limits. If your loved one gets arrested in another state, we’ll connect you with someone we trust and walk you through the process step by step.
When you work with us, you get a real human on the job, experienced help with out-of-state logistics, and zero-pressure guidance. We’re on your side through these tough times. Trust us to guide you through what to expect.
If someone you love is sitting in a jail cell miles away, you don’t have to let distance keep you from helping. With the right support, you can bring them home fast, safely, and legally sound.
Contact us today, and let’s get started on helping them regain their freedom.
