What would YOU do? My mother haa been convicted of ID theft and forgery multiple times, last time in 07 and spent 5 years in prison (her second strike in WA state which is a 3-strikes you're out state). Since being released in 2012, she has been a good person, held a job, been there for my family when she's needed to. My mother is bipolar and manic episodes tend to cause her to spend erratically, what we think out of love but who knows. It's been more than 3 years since her release and everything has really seemed to be turned around. Randomly, a couple of nights ago we get a call from jail for her asking to be bailed out. Went to her arraignment court yesterday and bail is set at $15K, we would have to pay $1500 for her to be bailed out for three weeks before she is sentenced. Her forgery charge was for a $50 gift card at her workplace, misdemeanor in amount but felony based on forgery. Based on her history of related crimes, we don't know if her sentence will be a slap on the wrist for a small amount or a long term sentence because of history. I am her 21 year old son, who is a college student and unemployed currently. I have a brother who just got a job but has no savings. We lived with our grandparents and other for a few years, but our gpa passed recently and have had a large financial crisis since. My grandpa also bailed her out every single time previously, but said he wouldn't again in the past. Now, I am the only one in the family who can pay the bail. $1500 is the only money in my savings account right now, so I could bail her out to spend some time in the free world before her sentencing and with us, and then sell my car to have some money left over. I'm in quite the predicament and would like to hear some opinions and perspectives. What would you do in this situation? Thank you