Bail Assistance Request: Attorneys/Paralegals

Due to the disproportionate impacts the criminal punishment system has on non-white and non-cisgender people and our limited funds, the bail fund will prioritize requests for people who are non-white and non-cisgender. Factors that we will additionally prioritize and consider include but are not limited to health factors, pregnancy, impending loss of job, housing or shelter bed, caretaking responsibilities, and potential separation of families.

NCBF cannot always provide advance notice or scheduling of bail posting. We currently cannot and do not offer additional services or support other than paying bail; we just want to be sure we do not interfere with release plans made by other people. If social workers or jail release planners are involved in providing housing/mental health/substance use support, are you expecting us to hold off bail posting until we've coordinated with them?

All fields marked with * are required.

Current Bail Amount (numbers only, no commas or $ sign) *

Original Bail Amount if bail has been reduced or changed (numbers only, no commas or $ sign) *

Arrest Date *

Arraignment Date *

Arraignment Judge / Commissioner *

Has the judge ordered a 10% cash option or an unsecured/appearance bond?

A 10% cash option is when the judge allows for 10% of the bail to be paid to the courts, rather than to a bail bond agency. An unsecured/appearance bond is when the judge orders the above with the stipulation that the entire bail amount is due if the person misses court. Both are typically listed on the Conditions of Release.

FTA/BWQ/VIO Judge/Commissioner

Is this the lowest possible bail? If not, please explain bail reduction possibilities.

First Name of Person Needing Bail *

Middle Name of Person Needing Bail

Last Name of Person Needing Bail *

Preferred Name, if different to their legal name

Date of Birth of Person Needing Bail *

Ideally, we can assist every person who needs bail assistance. However, given that we only have so many funds, we do prioritize those with marginalized identities given they are disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system.

Race or perceived race *

Orientation *

Gender *

It is helpful for NCBF to be able to make contact with your client. Please provide a phone number if at all possible. If you do not have a phone number, enter "Unknown".

Phone Number of Person Needing Bail *

Email Address of Person Needing Bail

Please provide the name and contact information (both phone number and email address) for family members, friends, teachers, case-workers, religious leaders, or anyone else who is supporting this person. Please provide as many contacts as possible.

Alternate contact - Name of someone they are in regular contact with

Alternate contact - Phone number of someone they are in regular contact with

Alternate contact - What is the relationship of this contact to the person needing bail

Case Number *

Charges *

Jurisdiction *

Jail they are being held in *

Does this person have a DUI? *

Yes No

If "Yes," do they fully understand the restrictions on driving and have alternate transportation plans in place, including how to get to and from work?

Will this person be required to be on EHM? *

Yes No

We've had several attempts to pay bail go un-released due to outstanding holds. Please double check and confirm they will be released when we pay.

Does this person have other outstanding warrants? If yes, what is the amount and jurisdiction for the other hold(s)? How likely is it that they are transported or held on the other hold(s)? *

While a history of FTA will not disqualify an application, we would appreciate any insight that can be given into frequent FTAs along with notes on support in place for your client’s successful outcome for attending court in the future.

Failure to Appear History *

Please explain FTA circumstances. If the previous answer is "None in the past 2 years," please write N/A. *

Our assistance is paid for with donations, and we reuse funds many times over as court cases resolve, in a pay-it-forward model. In addition to the detrimental personal effects on bailees such as more jail time and worse case outcomes, a forfeiture can affect dozens of requests moving forward. Is your client aware of this? *

When we are able to post bail, we ask you to commit to having the bail exonerated once the case is finish. This usually requires an on the record motion either verbally in court or a filed motion. We’ve noticed a significant amount of bails posted are not being returned once cases reach a disposition, resulting in longer wait lists for future requests. Do you agree to this commitment? *

Yes No

Do you have permission from your client that we pay their bail? *

Yes No

Are there risk factors to be aware of that create the conditions for extreme harm? Example risk factors include (but are not limited to): mental health, physical health (incl. pregnancy), or caretaking responsibilities.

Are there high risk factors to consider?

NCBF is not always able to provide advance notice or scheduling of bail posting. If social workers or jail release planners are involved in providing housing/mental health/substance use support, is it important to hold bail posting until we've coordinated with them?"

Yes No

If yes, please provide their contact information.

Comments: Is there any other useful information we should have?

Your Name *

Your Email Address *

Your Phone Number *

Are you a public defender or paralegal? *

Which division or law firm are you with?

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