When someone is arrested, navigating the path to release can be overwhelming. Bail bond agencies play a crucial role in this process, offering services that facilitate a defendant’s release from custody. However, not all professionals within these agencies perform the same functions. It’s essential to understand the distinctions between various roles to ensure effective communication and decision-making during such critical times.
Author: Anya Pulai
Most people would be hard-pressed to come up with anything positive about being arrested. For most law-abiding citizens, being arrested is a traumatic experience with negative consequences that can reverberate for years. Among the worst aspects of spending time in jail are the health impacts—both physical and mental. Below, we examine how jail time can negatively affect health and wellbeing.
The Different Ways Jail Time Can Negatively Affect a Person’s Health
Jails are not designed for comfort or wellness. Many facilities, even newer ones like the Broomfield County Detention Center, can take a toll on a person’s physical and mental health. Here are some key ways jail time can harm one’s health:
Poor Ventilation and Close Proximity
Jails are breeding grounds for illnesses such as colds, flu, and respiratory diseases. The close proximity of inmates, combined with inadequate ventilation systems, creates ideal conditions for diseases to spread. Older facilities, in particular, often lack modern HVAC systems, leading to high temperatures and moisture levels, further exacerbating the spread of infectious diseases.
New inmates frequently bring contagious conditions, and with limited access to personal hygiene products and medical care, these illnesses can run rampant. The risk of contracting a communicable disease in jail is significantly higher than in the general population.
“One study estimates that 39-43 percent of all inmates have at least one chronic condition. With few exceptions, the prevalence of almost all chronic conditions is higher among both prison and jail inmates than in the general population.”
—National Academies of Sciences
Stress-Related Illness
Unless you’re a hardened criminal to whom spending weeks in jail is no big deal, in other words – if you’re a normal person – spending any more than a few hours in jail can be extremely stressful. The freedoms you know and cherish have been taken from you, maybe for the first time in your life.
Dealing with any one of these issues is enough to keep someone up at night. But when these kinds of pressures and more are all brought to bear on you simultaneously it can cause a rash of negative side effects, with some of them potentially serious.
This stress may increase your susceptibility to certain physical and mental health problems, including:
- Severe headaches
- Chest pain
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability
Such stress can strain relationships with loved ones, attorneys, employers, and bail bond agents, compounding the emotional toll.
Table: Common Illnesses in Jail
| Illness | Prevalence Among Jail Inmates | Prevalence in General Population |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis C | 18% | 1% |
| Tuberculosis | 5% | 0.1% |
| HIV/AIDS | 1.3% | 0.3% |
| Mental Health Disorders | 44% | 18.3% |
| Substance Use Disorders | 58% | 9% |
| Asthma | 20% | 8% |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Justice, CDC
Mental Health Issues in Jail
One of the most concerning issues in the jail system is the prevalence of mental health problems among inmates. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about 37% of state and federal prisoners and 44% of jail inmates have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, compared to just 18.3% of adults in the general population. Common conditions include depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Many of these individuals do not receive adequate treatment while incarcerated, which can exacerbate their condition and lead to further complications, including self-harm or violent outbursts. Additionally, the stress and trauma of the jail environment can trigger or worsen mental health issues, even for those without a prior diagnosis.
“Rates of mental illness are much higher among incarcerated populations as compared to the general population. Of prison and jail inmates, 44 percent have been told in the past by a mental health professional that they have a mental health disorder.”
—National Institute of Health
Damage to a Person’s Sense of Self
Being arrested and jailed can significantly impact a person’s self-worth and reputation. Someone with a stable job, a family, and a good reputation may see all of that threatened. Arrests—even when unfounded—can lead to job loss, strained relationships, and bullying or ostracization of their children.
This loss of reputation and self-worth can spiral into emotional despair, financial instability, and long-term psychological trauma, even if the person is ultimately acquitted.
Physical Assault
Physical assaults in jails occur with disturbing frequency. Thousands of individuals experience violence while awaiting trial or bail, ranging from minor scuffles to severe attacks causing long-term damage like chronic pain, neurological issues, or PTSD. Sexual assaults, while less common in jail than in prison, still occur far too often.
These assaults range from relatively minor to extremely serious. And while sexual assaults are not as common in jail as they are in prison, they still happen in the jail setting far too often. Depending on the seriousness of the assault the individual may be left with long-term health problems including neurological damage, chronic pain and PTSD. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs to try and forget their experiences.
What is PTSD?
Learn more about PTSD in the following video:
As an experienced bail bond company we’ve seen the damage such altercations can cause individuals, which is one reason we would never try to bury this issue under the rug. To be sure, not everyone who ends up in jail will be assaulted, but it does happen and pretending it doesn’t will not help anyone.
Ways to Support Inmate Health
Improving the health and wellbeing of incarcerated individuals is not just a responsibility of the correctional system; everyday citizens can also play a role. Below are some actionable ways you can help:
- Advocate for Policy Change: Support legislation that ensures better healthcare, mental health services, and rehabilitation programs for inmates. Advocacy can include writing to local representatives or signing petitions.
- Volunteer or Donate: Many nonprofit organizations work to improve the health and wellbeing of incarcerated individuals. Volunteering your time or donating resources can help these groups provide essential services.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Raising awareness about the health challenges faced by inmates can help reduce stigma and encourage societal support for prison reform.
- Support Reentry Programs: When individuals are released from jail, reentry programs help them access healthcare, housing, and employment. These services are crucial for maintaining their health and reducing recidivism.
- Promote Preventive Measures: Encourage measures that reduce incarceration rates, such as community-based treatment programs for mental health and substance use disorders.
- Donate Health Supplies: Items like hygiene products, masks, and personal care kits can improve inmates’ quality of life and reduce the spread of illness.
By taking these steps, you can contribute to a more humane and health-conscious justice system that prioritizes the wellbeing of all individuals.
Keep in mind we’re not saying these types of negative effects will happen to someone who spends two hours in jail before being released thanks to the efforts of the bail company. But longer stays in jail do regularly occur and when they do they can have serious impacts on a person’s physical, mental and emotional health.
Can’t Afford Bail? Call Our Broomfield Bail Agents
Jails do a vital job in helping to keep dangerous individuals off the street. But they are not designed to be health clubs and they can, in fact, cause a variety of health issues ranging from minor to life-threatening. The best way to avoid these dangers is to stay out of jail. But if, for whatever reason, you find yourself in jail in Broomfield your first call should be to Urban Bail Company. We’re the bonding company that provides affordable 24-hour bail bonds that will ensure you do not spend one more minute than necessary behind bars so that you are not exposed to one of the many hazards lurking in jails today.
Most people would be hard-pressed to come up with anything positive about being arrested. For most law-abiding citizens, being arrested is a traumatic experience with negative consequences that can reverberate for years. Among the worst aspects of spending time in jail are the health impacts—both physical and mental. Below, we examine how jail time can negatively affect health and wellbeing.
The Different Ways Jail Time Can Negatively Affect a Person’s Health
Jails are not designed for comfort or wellness. Many facilities, even newer ones like the Broomfield County Detention Center, can take a toll on a person’s physical and mental health. Here are some key ways jail time can harm one’s health:
Poor Ventilation and Close Proximity
Jails are breeding grounds for illnesses such as colds, flu, and respiratory diseases. The close proximity of inmates, combined with inadequate ventilation systems, creates ideal conditions for diseases to spread. Older facilities, in particular, often lack modern HVAC systems, leading to high temperatures and moisture levels, further exacerbating the spread of infectious diseases.
New inmates frequently bring contagious conditions, and with limited access to personal hygiene products and medical care, these illnesses can run rampant. The risk of contracting a communicable disease in jail is significantly higher than in the general population.
“One study estimates that 39-43 percent of all inmates have at least one chronic condition. With few exceptions, the prevalence of almost all chronic conditions is higher among both prison and jail inmates than in the general population.”
—National Academies of Sciences
Stress-Related Illness
Unless you’re a hardened criminal to whom spending weeks in jail is no big deal, in other words – if you’re a normal person – spending any more than a few hours in jail can be extremely stressful. The freedoms you know and cherish have been taken from you, maybe for the first time in your life.
Dealing with any one of these issues is enough to keep someone up at night. But when these kinds of pressures and more are all brought to bear on you simultaneously it can cause a rash of negative side effects, with some of them potentially serious.
This stress may increase your susceptibility to certain physical and mental health problems, including:
- Severe headaches
- Chest pain
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability
Such stress can strain relationships with loved ones, attorneys, employers, and bail bond agents, compounding the emotional toll.
Table: Common Illnesses in Jail
| Illness | Prevalence Among Jail Inmates | Prevalence in General Population |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis C | 18% | 1% |
| Tuberculosis | 5% | 0.1% |
| HIV/AIDS | 1.3% | 0.3% |
| Mental Health Disorders | 44% | 18.3% |
| Substance Use Disorders | 58% | 9% |
| Asthma | 20% | 8% |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Justice, CDC
Mental Health Issues in Jail
One of the most concerning issues in the jail system is the prevalence of mental health problems among inmates. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about 37% of state and federal prisoners and 44% of jail inmates have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, compared to just 18.3% of adults in the general population. Common conditions include depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Many of these individuals do not receive adequate treatment while incarcerated, which can exacerbate their condition and lead to further complications, including self-harm or violent outbursts. Additionally, the stress and trauma of the jail environment can trigger or worsen mental health issues, even for those without a prior diagnosis.
“Rates of mental illness are much higher among incarcerated populations as compared to the general population. Of prison and jail inmates, 44 percent have been told in the past by a mental health professional that they have a mental health disorder.”
—National Institute of Health
Damage to a Person’s Sense of Self
Being arrested and jailed can significantly impact a person’s self-worth and reputation. Someone with a stable job, a family, and a good reputation may see all of that threatened. Arrests—even when unfounded—can lead to job loss, strained relationships, and bullying or ostracization of their children.
This loss of reputation and self-worth can spiral into emotional despair, financial instability, and long-term psychological trauma, even if the person is ultimately acquitted.
Physical Assault
Physical assaults in jails occur with disturbing frequency. Thousands of individuals experience violence while awaiting trial or bail, ranging from minor scuffles to severe attacks causing long-term damage like chronic pain, neurological issues, or PTSD. Sexual assaults, while less common in jail than in prison, still occur far too often.
These assaults range from relatively minor to extremely serious. And while sexual assaults are not as common in jail as they are in prison, they still happen in the jail setting far too often. Depending on the seriousness of the assault the individual may be left with long-term health problems including neurological damage, chronic pain and PTSD. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs to try and forget their experiences.
What is PTSD?
Learn more about PTSD in the following video:
As an experienced bail bond company we’ve seen the damage such altercations can cause individuals, which is one reason we would never try to bury this issue under the rug. To be sure, not everyone who ends up in jail will be assaulted, but it does happen and pretending it doesn’t will not help anyone.
Ways to Support Inmate Health
Improving the health and wellbeing of incarcerated individuals is not just a responsibility of the correctional system; everyday citizens can also play a role. Below are some actionable ways you can help:
- Advocate for Policy Change: Support legislation that ensures better healthcare, mental health services, and rehabilitation programs for inmates. Advocacy can include writing to local representatives or signing petitions.
- Volunteer or Donate: Many nonprofit organizations work to improve the health and wellbeing of incarcerated individuals. Volunteering your time or donating resources can help these groups provide essential services.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Raising awareness about the health challenges faced by inmates can help reduce stigma and encourage societal support for prison reform.
- Support Reentry Programs: When individuals are released from jail, reentry programs help them access healthcare, housing, and employment. These services are crucial for maintaining their health and reducing recidivism.
- Promote Preventive Measures: Encourage measures that reduce incarceration rates, such as community-based treatment programs for mental health and substance use disorders.
- Donate Health Supplies: Items like hygiene products, masks, and personal care kits can improve inmates’ quality of life and reduce the spread of illness.
By taking these steps, you can contribute to a more humane and health-conscious justice system that prioritizes the wellbeing of all individuals.
Keep in mind we’re not saying these types of negative effects will happen to someone who spends two hours in jail before being released thanks to the efforts of the bail company. But longer stays in jail do regularly occur and when they do they can have serious impacts on a person’s physical, mental and emotional health.
Can’t Afford Bail? Call Our Broomfield Bail Agents
Jails do a vital job in helping to keep dangerous individuals off the street. But they are not designed to be health clubs and they can, in fact, cause a variety of health issues ranging from minor to life-threatening. The best way to avoid these dangers is to stay out of jail. But if, for whatever reason, you find yourself in jail in Broomfield your first call should be to Urban Bail Company. We’re the bonding company that provides affordable 24-hour bail bonds that will ensure you do not spend one more minute than necessary behind bars so that you are not exposed to one of the many hazards lurking in jails today.
Once a person has been arrested and charged with a crime the wheels of the justice system are set in motion and a number of things will occur. Review the stages of the bail bonding process in the following guide.
Stage One: Arrest and Booking
- The accused is taken into custody and booked.
- Fingerprinting and photographing are completed.
- Personal property is confiscated and held while in custody.
- A criminal record and outstanding warrants check is performed.
- The accused is placed in a holding cell.
- Bail is either set immediately or a hearing is scheduled.
- The person can either pay the bail themselves or contact a bail bonding agent.
For minor offenses, the accused may be released on their own recognizance, agreeing in writing to appear in court. However, the decision depends on factors such as:
- The nature and seriousness of the crime.
- The person’s criminal history.
- Whether the person poses a threat to the community.
- The person’s ties to the community.
Those with deep roots in the community are generally considered less of a flight risk.
Stage Two: Setting Bail
Recognizance is an obligation formally recorded by a court or magistrate requiring a specific act (such as appearing in court), typically with a financial penalty if not fulfilled.
Depending on the seriousness of the crime and other factors, the state may require the accused to post bail to ensure their appearance in court. Bail serves as an insurance policy that the accused will not flee. If they do not appear in court, bail will be revoked, and a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
The bail process varies by jurisdiction, but generally, a hearing is held to determine if bail is appropriate and its amount. The court considers:
- The accused’s physical and mental state
- Financial situation
- Community ties
- History of substance abuse
- Criminal history
If bail is granted, the court may impose restrictions such as travel bans, electronic monitoring, or a curfew, depending on the circumstances.
Stage Three: Contacting a Bail Agent
Once the amount of the bail is set the accused has three options. They can decline bail and wait in jail for their court date, they can pay the full amount themselves or they can contact a loved one or friend to bail them out using the services of an Arapahoe County bondsman.
Few are those who, once granted bail, simply refuse to take advantage of it. And it is perhaps just as rare for a person to post the full bail amount themselves. What happens most of the time is that the accused contacts a loved one who contacts an Arapahoe County bail bonds agent. The Arapahoe County bonding agent then gathers the particulars of the case in order to determine if they should agree to post the bail bond. If they do the loved one of the accused will need to put up a percentage of the total bail amount as a non-refundable fee and the Arapahoe County bail bonds agent will put up the rest.
Co-Signing a Bail Bond Agreement
Co-signing a bail bond involves signing a promissory note that obligates the co-signer to pay the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. Co-signers may need to show they have sufficient assets or cash to cover the bond if necessary. Acceptable collateral includes homes, cars, jewelry, or other valuables.
If a co-signer begins to doubt the defendant’s reliability, they can contact the bail bondsman to rescind the bond, leading to the defendant’s return to custody. Co-signers may also impose conditions, such as requiring the defendant to enter a treatment program.
Must a Co-Signer Always Offer Collateral?
Collateral is not always required if the co-signer can demonstrate financial capacity to cover the entire bail amount. Bondsmen evaluate each case individually and may forgo collateral if the co-signer is deemed reliable.
Co-signers are financially responsible for the full bail amount and must ensure the defendant attends all court appearances and complies with the terms of their release. If the defendant cannot appear due to legitimate reasons, the co-signer must inform the bail bondsman and the court promptly.
Once bail is set, the accused has three options: stay in jail until the court date, pay the full bail amount, or use a bail bondsman. Most people opt for a bail bonds agent. The agent evaluates the case to decide if they will post bail. If they agree, a loved one of the accused typically pays a non-refundable fee, which is a percentage of the total bail amount. The bondsman covers the remainder.
An indemnitor is a person or entity that agrees to compensate another party for losses, damages, or liabilities they might incur.
The person who signs the bail bond contract with the bonding agent becomes the “indemnitor,” accepting responsibility for the accused. If the accused flees, the bail is forfeited, and the indemnitor must repay the bondsman any lost funds.
Who Can Become a Co-Signer?
Not everyone is eligible to co-sign a bail bond. Criteria for eligibility include:
- Credit history: Poor credit history may disqualify a person as a co-signer due to concerns over their ability to meet financial obligations.
- Work history: A stable work history suggests reliability and financial stability, important for assuming the risk of a bail bond.
- Background and community ties: Foreign nationals and individuals without strong local ties are usually not eligible to co-sign. Bail bond companies prefer co-signers who are well-established in the community.
Considerations Before Cosigning a Bail Bond Contract
It is crucial to consider the risks before signing a bail bond contract, especially for someone you do not know well. Some indemnitors put up collateral, such as their home, to secure the bond. If the person they bail out flees, they could be responsible for the full bond amount and any costs incurred to locate the fugitive, which could be substantial.
The decision to bail someone out should not be taken lightly. It’s recommended to bail out only those with whom there is a strong emotional bond, as they are less likely to flee. If unsure, discussing the situation with a bail bondsman is advisable.
Stage Four: Release From Custody
After the bail is posted, the defendant is released from custody with the understanding that they must adhere to specific conditions. These conditions may include attending all scheduled court appearances, refraining from committing any new crimes, and complying with any restrictions set by the court, such as travel limitations or curfews. The release process can take several hours, depending on the jail’s processing times and the complexity of the case. It is essential for the defendant to follow all bail conditions closely. Failing to do so could result in the revocation of bail, leading to re-arrest and possible forfeiture of any bail money or collateral posted.
Stage Five: Appearing in Court
The bail bond process culminates with the defendant’s required court appearances. The defendant must appear in court on the scheduled dates to address the charges against them. These appearances are critical, as failing to attend could lead to a warrant being issued for the defendant’s arrest and the forfeiture of the posted bail. If the defendant attends all court dates and complies with the conditions set forth, the bail process concludes at the end of the legal proceedings, regardless of the trial’s outcome. It is crucial for both the defendant and the indemnitor to understand the importance of adhering to court schedules and the potential consequences of non-compliance. This step ensures the defendant remains in good standing with the court and avoids additional legal complications.
Conditions That May Affect the Bail Agreement
If additional charges are brought against the accused after release, or if they reoffend, it can affect the original bail agreement. If a person reoffends while out on bail, the judge may revoke bail and remand them into custody, forfeiting any money paid. If there was an error in the bail amount, the court might accept it or adjust it depending on the severity of the offense.
For more information conditions that could cause bail to be revoked, review our additional guide.
Reasons for Bail Revocation
Reasons for Bail Revocation
Bail and Additional Charges
After arrest and release on bail, ongoing investigations may lead to additional charges against the defendant. If this happens, the District Attorney might request a higher bail. The court could agree, requiring the defendant to pay the difference between the original and new bail amounts.
The defense lawyer’s role is to argue against increasing the bail amount. If the court sides with the defense, the bail remains the same; if not, the defendant must pay the additional fee or be remanded to custody.
Process for Paying Additional Bail
Paying additional bail is typically straightforward. If the original bail was $10,000 and the court raises it to $20,000, the defendant needs to pay the increased bond fee. If the bondsman refuses to cover the additional amount or the defendant cannot pay, the original bond may be voided, and the defendant returned to custody.
Affordable Bail Bonds in Denver County
If additional charges increase your bail, it’s crucial to work with the bondsman to arrange the new payment. Bondsmen are generally willing to help as long as you can pay the adjusted fee.
If you need help posting bail for yourself or a loved one, contact Urban Bail Bonds. We’re proud to provide compassionate, reliable assistance in Broomfield County and throughout the state of Colorado.
At Urban Bail Bonds, we assist families and individuals with the bail bonding process in Denver, Colorado. Our services focus on helping secure the quick release of loved ones detained at the Denver County Jail and Detention Center.
It’s one of the things that scares people with little or no experience in jail the most. That while sitting in a jail cell minding their own business while the bail bond agent works to secure their release, they will be targeted and beaten up. Violence in prisons and jails is no myth, and those who seem out of place are often the most common targets. This raises the question: can you sue if you get beat up in jail while awaiting release on bail?
Likelihood of a Successful Lawsuit
At Urban Bail Bonds, we assist families and individuals with the bail bonding process in Broomfield County, Colorado. Our services focus on helping secure the quick release of loved ones detained at the Broomfield County Detention Center.
About the Broomfield County Detention Center
Anyone arrested in Broomfield County, Colorado, is booked at the Broomfield County Detention Center. We’ve outlined a few essential facts about this facility below.
Bail plays a key role in Colorado’s legal system by balancing public safety concerns with an individual’s right to temporary release while awaiting trial. Through various types of bail, defendants can be released from custody with the assurance that they will attend court proceedings. Here’s an overview of these options, which can help families and defendants make the best choice based on individual circumstances.