Bail 101: Facts about Bail in Louisiana

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
Tangipahoa Parish
Livingston Parish
Washington Parish

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.

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