Is it better to pay the bail or wait for my bail hearing?

If you don’t wait for a bail hearing, chances are, you’ll end up paying bail based on the rate schedule. If you can’t afford it, or if you feel you have a good chance of having your bail decreased or waived all together, it might benefit you to wait for the bail hearing. And, luckily, bail hearings must be given as soon as possible, and usually no later than 48 hours after you’ve been arrested.