If you or someone you care about has just been arrested in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingston, and Washington Parishes, you’re probably feeling anxious and overwhelmed. One of the first questions people ask is: How soon can they get out?
The answer starts with understanding how bail works.
What is Bail?
Bail is a financial promise that a person will return for their court dates after being released from jail. If they show up, the money is returned (sometimes minus a small court fee). If they don’t, the money is forfeited and a warrant is issued for their arrest.
There are three common ways that individuals are released from jail in Franklinton, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond, Livingston and other jurisdictions around Southeast Louisiana:
- Released on recognizance (ROR): no money required, just a signed promise to appear.
- Cash bond: the full bail amount is paid upfront, usually by a family member or friend.
- Surety bond: a licensed bail bondsman posts the bail in exchange for a non-refundable fee (usually 10–12%).
How is Bail Set?
After an arrest, the person is booked into jail. Within 48 hours, and often sooner a judge or magistrate will review the case and set the bail amount. While judges in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingston, or Washington Parish might weigh the evidence differently, the courts always consider:
- The seriousness of the charge
- Criminal history
- Risk of not appearing in court
- Risk to public safety
Parish-by-Parish Breakdown
Each parish handles bail slightly differently:
St. Tammany Parish
- Jail: Located in Covington at 1200 Champagne St, Covington, LA 70433
- Court: 22nd Judicial District Court located at 701 N Columbia St, Covington, LA 70433
- Bail hearings are typically done via video court soon after arrest. For serious charges, a formal bail hearing may be scheduled.
Tangipahoa Parish
- Jail: Located in Amite at 101 Campo Ln, Amite City, LA 70422
- Court: 21st Judicial District Court at 110 N Bay St #100, Amite City, LA 70422 (shared with Livingston and St. Helena)
- Booking times vary depending on where the arrest occurred, Hammond, Ponchatoula, Kentwood, etc.
Livingston Parish
- Jail: In Livingston, off I-12 at 28445 Charlie Watts Road, Livingston, LA 70754
- Court: Also part of the 21st JDC at 20300 Government Boulevard, Livingston, LA 70754
- Bond schedules are fairly consistent, but formal bail hearings may be requested in felony cases.
Washington Parish
- Jail: In Franklinton at 1002 Main St, Franklinton, LA 70438
- Court: 22nd Judicial District Court (shared with St. Tammany) at 908 Washington St, Franklinton, LA 70438
- Arrestees typically see a judge within 24–48 hours. Local judges tend to look closely at prior failures to appear when setting bail.
Using a Bail Bondsman
If you can’t afford to pay the full bail amount, a local bail bondsman can help. You’ll typically pay them 10%–12% of the total bail as a non-refundable fee. You may need a co-signer, collateral, or both depending on the situation.
IMPORTANT: Ask questions before signing anything, and make sure the bondsman is licensed in Louisiana.
After Bail Is Posted
Once bail is paid, the person is usually released within a few hours. But being out on bail comes with rules. St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingston, and Washington Parish might place different restrictions on an individual released on bail. However, these rules always include:
- Showing up to every court date
- Following any conditions of release (like travel restrictions or drug testing)
- Avoiding any new charges
IMPORTANT: Missing court can result in a revoked bond and a new warrant.
Free Phone Consultation
Navigating the bail process can be overwhelming—especially when your freedom and future are on the line. At James & Bradley Law Firm, LLC, our skilled criminal lawyers are ready to act fast, protect your rights, and guide you through every step of the legal system.
Call 985-276-4740 today and schedule your free phone consultation.