So people come into my office and let's say it's 8 o'clock in the morning and

last night their son got arrested for possession of a weapon. They're frantic.

The police department isn't giving them information.

The court system's not giving them information.

So they want to know what's going on.

They always want to know what the charge is. They want to know what's going on. They always want to know what the charge is.

They want to know where they were arrested,

and then they want to know how they get them out.

When I get the person released, my fee is then made.

That is Stephen Zalewski.

He's a criminal defense attorney in New York, but he also has another job.

I am one of the owners of Affordable Bales New York.

Affordable Bales is one of around 25,000 bail bond companies in the United States.

These businesses are usually across the street from a courthouse, illuminated by neon signs.

And for those accused of crimes, they offer a way to get out of jail while awaiting trial.

More than 2 million Americans use their services. jail while awaiting trial.

More than 2 million Americans use their services each year to post around $15 billion worth

of bail.

Bail bonds are a controversial business.

They're often portrayed as CD establishments with briefcases full of cash and bounty hunters

who kick down doors.

And some of that is true. but the economics of the industry are often misunderstood.

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