ARC Bail Policy

ARC manages a bail fund that we use to bond out comrades arrested at actions. This does not mean that we are able to bail out anyone or everyone arrested at actions. That model is simply unsustainable. It is up to the committee’s discretion who we will and will not support.

• We do not bail or bond anyone out of custody until after their arraignment. We do this because it is common practice to overcharge defendants with crimes that the DA can’t actually pursue (they do this so they can keep us in on much more severe charges with impossible-to-pay bails). Some or all of the charges are usually dropped or reduced, and the person arrested will be released with no charges filed, or bail will be significantly lowered.

• There are “emergency” circumstances where we will bond out a person before an arraignment (ex: serious health issues, if you have children, immigration status, …) It is up to our discretion when to emergency bail someone out of custody. We understand that being arrested can be traumatic and scary, but waiting until you’re arraigned means more funds to bail others out.

• ARC wishes to be a last-resort for people since our funds are limited. Those who have access to money, either personally or through family or social networks, should post their own bail. Or if your affinity or organizing group can generate funds, please use those. We encourage everyone to do your own legal support as part of your political organizing and actions! ARC will sometimes front the money for the bond, and support groups will replenish and re-contribute to the bail fund through fundraisers afterwards. This does not mean we will only bond out folks who can repay us. We know that not everyone is fortunate to have support groups who can fundraise or enough money to pay bail. These are the people that ARC can sometimes help the most.

• Remember, ARC does not provide a cosigner for the bond. A cosigner is needed to bond someone out of custody. The cosigner is essentially vouching for the defendant showing up to every court date and checking in with the bondsmen. They are also responsible and liable for the full amount of the bail if the defendant stops going to their court dates. The bondsmen will fingerprint and take a picture of the cosigner as part of their documentation.