Bail is paid as a condition of being released from jail before the court proceedings begin. If the person shows up on time for the proceedings, then the bail is returned. The bail amount is set by a judge at the bail hearing. The bail amount is based on the nature of the crime, with more serious crimes getting higher amounts, but the defense attorney can argue for a lower bail. If the suspect or their friends or family cannot pay the bail, then they can get a loan from a bail bond company.