For most New Jersey residents, spending even one night in jail is simply one night too many. The good news is that it is often possible to be released from jail after you have been booked on charges involving driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs.

Your first step should be to contact an attorney with experience handling DUI/Drug charges. He or she can explain the different methods available for getting you out of jail quickly while also acting as your advocate. In the meantime, study the bail options below to improve your understanding of what you can do once taken into custody.

Post bail: This option means that you must part with a sizeable amount of your own money. You can also post bail on your behalf by signing over the rights to the property you own. A third option, when permitted, is promising the court that you will pay the full amount of your bail if you fail to appear before the court when mandated.

Buy a bail bond: It is wise to avoid this option because the person who sells you the bail bond will keep 10% of your money regardless of the outcome of your DUI/drug case. Further, most bondsmen require something to be used as collateral before agreeing to bail you out. This means you could lose 10% of your money and a potentially valuable piece of your personal property as well.

Recognizance release: Being released in this manner involves signing a statement containing your promise to appear in court at a predetermined time. Some of the factors judges look at when deciding if this is the best option include your community ties (family, etc.), whether you have a steady job and whether you have a previously clean record. In most cases, this is the best way to get out of jail after an arrest for DUI/drugs.

In all scenarios, you will have the best chance for a speedy release with as few financial risks as possible by following the recommendations of your defense attorney.