When someone you care about gets arrested, it can be overwhelming. Getting them out of jail is important, but it’s also essential to have a thorough understanding of their options. One of those options is a bail bond. This article will dive deep into the basics of bonds so that you can understand how they work and what to expect.
What is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond is an option that allows someone to get out of jail while awaiting trial. A bondsman will write up a contract to ensure that the person posting for the defendant understands that they are responsible for the defendant showing up in all court proceedings. They may also require loved ones to put up some form of collateral to secure the bond. Some types of collateral include cash, credit cards, or real property like a home. The defendant or a representative will pay a small fee to the bail bond company, usually 10% or less of the total bond amount. This company will then post the rest of the bail to guarantee that the defendant will attend court. The bail company can make this guarantee because they know that most people will return for their court dates or risk losing their money and property. There are four different kinds of bail: recognizance bail, cash bail, property bail, and surety bail.
How Does a Bail Bond Work?
Bail bonds Harrisburg, PA are an option for those who can’t afford to pay their bail in full. They work by paying a non-refundable fee to a bondsman who posts the bond with the court. This is in exchange for a guarantee to the court that the defendant will attend their trial. The fees charged by a bondsman are often a percentage of the total amount of the bail. They are set by law and will never be returned to the person who pays them. Some bondsmen also require loved ones to secure collateral, usually property like a house or car. They will also make calls before every court date to ensure the accused is showing up. If the accused misses any of their court dates, then the bail bond company will have to pay the court the total amount of the bond. They will then try to find the accused and return any collateral they signed to the bondsman.
What is the Difference Between Bail and Bonds?
People often use the terms bail and bond interchangeably, but they are separate. Bail entails temporarily releasing a defendant while waiting for their trial by depositing a sum as collateral. This money is returned at the end of the trial, assuming they comply with all conditions set by the judge. On the other hand, a bond is an agreement where a third party agrees to make good on your bail if you fail to appear in court when required. There are four types of bonds: cash, property, surety, and unsecured. With a bail bond, you typically pay a bondsman 10% of the total bail amount, who will cover the rest. If you are arrested, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. They can help you decide whether to use the cash or bond option and ensure all requirements are met.
What Should I Know About Both?
If you’re in a situation where bail has been set for a friend or family member, you must consider all the risks of getting them out of jail. The person you choose to bail out must trust you completely and be able to show up for all court proceedings. Usually, the person doing the bail must pay 10% to a bondsman or agent and pledge collateral like real estate property. The Indemnitor, the co-signer, must sign a contract and provide a written statement that they understand they are responsible for the defendant’s actions. A bail bond company guarantees the court that the defendant will appear in court for all scheduled appearances. In exchange, the defendant or their loved ones pay a non-refundable fee to the bondsman, usually around 10% of the total bond amount. In addition, they must agree to forfeit any collateral if the defendant fails to appear in court.