What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond is a legal contract that ensures the release of a defendant from jail in exchange for a specific amount of money, which serves as a guarantee that the defendant will appear in court for their scheduled hearings.

 

How do Bail Bonds work?

When someone is arrested, a bail bond can be posted on their behalf to secure their release from jail. The bail bond company pays the full bail amount to the court, and the defendant is released from custody. The defendant or their family must then repay the bail bond company the full amount, along with any additional fees or interest, typically within a set period of time.

 

What is the role of a Bail Bondsman?

A bail bondsman, also known as a bail agent, is a licensed professional who provides the funds necessary to post a bail bond on behalf of a defendant. They charge a non-refundable fee, usually a percentage of the total bail amount, and assume the responsibility of ensuring that the defendant appears in court as required.

 

What happens if the defendant fails to appear in court while on bail?

If a defendant fails to appear in court as required after posting bail, the court may issue a bench warrant for their arrest. In such cases, the bail bond company apprehend the defendant to prevent financial loss. Moreover, the defendant's collateral, which may have been used to secure the bond, could be forfeited, and the defendant may be placed back into the custody of the county Sheriff  

 

Can I receive Bail for any type of offense?

While bail bonds are commonly issued for a wide range of offenses, there are certain instances where a judge may deny bail or set an exceptionally high bail amount, such as for capital crimes or if the defendant poses a significant flight risk. In such cases, alternative forms of pretrial release may be explored.