In most states, it is not permitted for an attorney to bail out a defendant themselves. However, in a handful of states, attorneys are allowed to post bonds for their clients. This is reliant on the fact that the attorney has a license at the time the bond is being posted.
Should you be convicted, your attorney can make a compelling case that your jail time be deferred based on your successful completion of probation. It's important to note that not all judges sentence you to jail time, even if the sentencing guidelines for your crime recommend it.
While attorney bail bonds may be legal in certain states, there have been many states that believe the practice leads to a conflict of interest and have therefore not allowed it.
The decision to post bail for someone should not be taken lightly. Financially, you risk losing the bail amount or collateral if the defendant fails to appear in court. Legally, the defendant's absence can lead to arrest warrants and additional charges, complicating their legal situation further.