Getting a call from a loved one to find out that he or she is in jail can be heartbreaking, and your first instinct is probably to get him or her out as quickly as possible. It can make you feel incredibly powerless, however, if you realize that you won't be able to get your loved one out because the bond is too high.

Although you might think that there is nothing that you can do, there are a few options that you can try. Give these ideas a shot, and you might just be able to get your loved one out after all:

Hire an Attorney

If your loved one is facing criminal charges, he or she is going to need a lawyer anyway. Now is a great time to look for legal services. Then, not only will you go ahead and secure representation for your loved one, but you can also ask the lawyer to request a reduction of bond.

In some cases, an attorney can successfully ask a judge to reduce a defendant's bond, especially if your loved one has strong ties to the community and hasn't been in a lot of trouble in the past. If you're worried about the lawyer fees cutting into the bond money that you are trying to secure, you can always look for a lawyer who will set up a payment plan.

You can also contact your local bar association to find out about lawyers who offer pro bono services.

Use Your Property as Collateral

The court system will often accept collateral instead of cash as assurance that an individual will come back to court. You will risk losing your property if your loved one goes on the run or just doesn't make it to his or her court date, but if you feel confident that he or she will go to court, then this can be a great option.

If you have land, a home of your own or even a valuable vehicle, then you might be able to use it. To find out more about this option and to see if it will work for you and your loved one, contact the magistrate's office. You will need to bring along the deed or title to your property if you plan to use this option.

It can be truly devastating to find that you can't get your loved one out of jail, but you shouldn't give up just yet. Instead, try these two options. If you do, you may just be able to bring your loved one home more quickly than you thought.

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