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What Are the Options When You Can’t Pay Bail?

Robert Stahle • February 15, 2019
A statue of a woman holding a scale in front of a blue sky.

If you or someone you know has been arrested, thoughts automatically turn to how to get out of the situation as quickly as possible. This can be an especially frustrating situation if you’re in jail and awaiting trial – a process that can take months in some cases. Not every person is required to remain in jail for the duration between their initial court appearance and their trial date. An alternative is that a judge may order that a person be released on bail.

In many cases, bail involves a payment to the court as a safeguard that you will not flee while awaiting trial. The only problem is that while the amount of monetary bail is supposed to not be excessive, it is often cost prohibitive for many people. So, what happens if you’ve been ordered to pay bail but can’t afford to?


The Premise of Monetary Bail

Many people associate bail with a money payment to the court, and this is often the case. However, bail itself is a term used to define the release of a person from legal custody while they’re awaiting trial. Judges may order a monetary bail, but they can also order bail that includes releasing someone on their own recognizance or with certain stipulations – such as weekly check-ins or mandatory meetings.


It costs the criminal justice system money to house an incarcerated individual, and for those who pose a minimal threat to society or flight risk, there are few benefits to keeping them in jail while they’re awaiting trial. Bail requirements are intended to supply an extra layer of protection that the accused individual isn’t going anywhere.


For some people, the biggest motivator is money. The court orders a payment and holds it until the trial as a guarantee that the accused will appear. The amount of monetary bail ordered is based on several factors, including the severity of the crime involved and the person’s financial ability to pay. For example, a $2,000 bail wouldn’t likely be motivating for a millionaire defendant.


What If You Can’t Pay?

While judges should consider a person’s financial wellbeing when setting bail, sometimes paying it is still out of reach. When this is the case, a person does have a few options.


First, there are bail bond agencies that will post a portion of your bail for you. These types of services are basically considered a loan that will need to be repaid when the bail is released back to you by the court. They usually require that you pay a certain percentage and may also require a co-signer if your credit or job history is poor.


Another option is to have your criminal defense attorney request that a different type of bail be ordered. For instance, if they can establish that you’re not a flight risk even without monetary bail and that you’re willing to adhere to other bail commitments instead.


If you’re in jail and are wondering how you’ll manage to pay bail, we’re a team of experienced criminal lawyers that can help you with the process. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Offices to discuss your case today.

How Insurance Companies Try to Undermine Personal Injury Claims

By Robert Stahle • December 5, 2025
And How We Fight Back

How to Protect Your Legal Rights After a Personal Injury Accident in Nebraska or Iowa

By Robert Stahle • December 2, 2025
Getting hurt in an accident is overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether it was a car crash, a slip-and-fall, a dog bite, or a workplace incident, one thing is certain: what you do next can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation . At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help injured people throughout South Sioux City , Sioux City , and the broader Nebraska-Iowa region understand their rights and take the right steps from day one. If you’ve been injured and suspect someone else is at fault, here’s how to protect yourself legally and financially. Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Right Away Even if your injuries seem minor, always get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident. Why it matters: Some injuries (like whiplash or internal trauma) aren’t immediately obvious. Medical documentation is critical evidence in your personal injury case. Insurance companies will look at how soon you sought care to judge the severity of your injuries. Be sure to follow all treatment instructions and attend follow-up appointments. Gaps in care can be used against you later. Step 2: Report the Incident Whether it’s a car accident, workplace injury, or slip and fall, it’s important to officially report the incident: Car crash – Call the police and file a report. Workplace injury – Notify your employer in writing. Slip and fall or dog bite – Report it to the property owner or business manager. These reports create a verifiable timeline and paper trail that supports your claim. Step 3: Document Everything If you're able, gather as much evidence at the scene as possible, including: Photos of injuries, property damage, or the accident location Contact information for witnesses Notes on what happened, including time, date, and weather conditions Copies of any reports filed If you were too injured to document the scene, don’t worry—our legal team at Fitch & Stahle Law Firm can investigate on your behalf and gather evidence while it’s still fresh. Step 4: Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company Without Legal Advice Insurance adjusters might sound friendly—but their goal is to minimize payouts , not protect your interests. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. Don’t take the bait. Before you sign anything or give a statement, speak with a qualified personal injury attorney . At Fitch & Stahle , we handle all communications with insurance companies so you don’t have to—and we won’t let them take advantage of your situation. Step 5: Know the Statute of Limitations in Your State Every state has a legal deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations : Nebraska: 4 years from the date of the injury Iowa: 2 years from the date of the injury Some exceptions apply for cases involving minors or certain types of claims, but the bottom line is this: The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Step 6: Don’t Post About Your Case on Social Media What you post online can and will be used against you by insurance companies and defense attorneys. A seemingly harmless photo or post could be twisted to suggest you’re not as injured as you claim. Until your case is resolved, avoid posting about: Your accident Your injuries Your physical activities or travel Conversations with doctors or attorneys Step 7: Call a Personal Injury Attorney You Can Trust The most important thing you can do after an accident? Get legal help as soon as possible. A skilled attorney will: Investigate your case Prove fault and liability Calculate full damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.) Negotiate with the insurance company Represent you in court if necessary At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we treat your case with the care and urgency it deserves. We offer free consultations , and you pay nothing unless we win. Why Work with Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? ✅ Decades of experience helping injured people in Nebraska and Iowa ✅ Licensed in both NE and IA —we know the laws in both states ✅ Aggressive negotiators and trial-ready attorneys ✅ Personalized, compassionate service —you’re more than just a case file ✅ No legal fees unless we win We proudly serve clients throughout South Sioux City , Sioux City , and the surrounding Siouxland region. Whether you were injured on the road, on the job, or on someone else’s property—we’re here to help. Schedule Your Free Consultation Today If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to get the help you need. Let Fitch & Stahle Law Firm fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Visit us online at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Located in South Sioux City, Nebraska You only get one chance to recover the compensation you need— make it count with the right legal team on your side.