Bail Bonds
A judge sets bail based on factors like the severity of the alleged crime and the likelihood that the accused will commit other crimes or flee the jurisdiction before trial. Bail is often set in amounts that are beyond the financial capabilities of most people, which is why many defendants turn to bail bonds. Bail bond companies are for-profit businesses that charge a nonrefundable fee to post bail on behalf of defendants. These fees are typically 10 to 20 percent of the total bond amount. They also require that the defendant sign a contract stating that he or she will attend all required court proceedings until the case is resolved. If the accused skips bail, the bail bond company will place a lien on his or her house, car or other property to recover the value of the bond.
If the defendant is being charged with a federal crime, a separate bond is required in addition to a normal bail bonds google reviews. This type of bond usually involves a higher fee and more collateral is needed. In some cases, a federal crime may involve money or property that is alleged to be connected to terrorism or drug trafficking. These types of cases are very complicated and it is important that the defendant fully understands the consequences if they miss a court date.
In some cases, the judge will release a defendant from jail based on his or her promise to return to court and abide by other conditions of release. This type of release is typically only available for minor misdemeanor charges.
Types of Bail Bonds
The most basic form of bail is a cash bond where the accused pays the full bond amount to the courts directly in cash, or sometimes by check or credit card if that option is allowed by the court. In most jurisdictions, loved ones of the accused can also pay a fee to a professional bondsman who posts a partial secured bond on the accused’s behalf for a percentage of the total bail amount. This fee is typically returned at the end of the case if the accused makes all of his or her court dates.
A surety bond is the most common type of bail bond, and it is what most people think of when they hear the word “bail.” A surety bond is an agreement with a bail agent that guarantees that the accused will appear in court until the case is completed. A surety bond can be obtained from a family member or friend, and it is usually backed by an insurance policy.
When a surety bond is used, the bondsman will ask to see the full name of the accused and he or she will also need a copy of his or her driver’s license in order to complete the necessary paperwork. The bondsman will then use this information to create a surety bond on the accused’s behalf with an insurance company. The accused will then be required to make a call before each court date and occasionally check-in at the bondsman’s office in order to ensure that he or she is not missing a court date.