HOW BAIL BONDS WORK
If you have been accused of a crime and need assistance with your bail.
APPEARING IN COURT
Within approximately 48 hours after arrest, a bail bond hearing happens. During this hearing a judge will determine the amount of the bail based upon a number of circumstances and the nature of the alleged crime committed. The judge will also determine the amount by the risk that the defendant will not appear in court on the scheduled date. Typically, the court system has a standard bail bond amount pertaining to a specific crime. However, the judge does not have to go by the standards for bail bonds amount.
Once the judge has set a specific bail bond amount, paying the amount is the next step in the bail bonds process.
4 OPTIONS TO PAY
There are four different ways to pay for bail bonds.
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Cash
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Secured bail bonds
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Signature or own recognizance (PR)
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If a bond cannot be paid in full, if permissible, a bail bondsman may secure the full bond on behalf of the defendant if 10% of the bond is paid to bonding company
HOW BAIL BONDS SERVICES WORK
1. Arrest & Booking: After an arrest, the individual is taken to jail, processed, and their information (criminal charge and mugshot) is recorded.
2. Bail Set: A judge or magistrate sets the bail amount at an arraignment, considering the crime’s severity and flight risk, to ensure the defendant returns for trail.
3. Contacting a Bondsman: If full bond amount cannot be satisfied, the defendant or interested party contacts a licensed bail agent.
4. Agreement & Fee: The defendant/co-signer pays the bondsman a non-refundable fee of 10%.
5. Bond Posted: The bondsman pays the full amount to the court and the defendant is then released from jail.
6. Conditions & Compliance: If the defendant attends all court dates and comply to all conditions of the bond and the courts decision. The case is then discharged with a disposition of the Courts.
7. Fail to appear: If the defendant misses court, the bond is forfeited, the co-signer loses collateral ( if applicable) and a warrant is issued for the defendant’s re-arrest. The defendant will remain in custody until a court decision is rendered.
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