- Felonies
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- Misdemeanors
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- Drug/Narcotics Violations
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- Sex Offenses
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- Gun / Weapons Violations
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- Robbery
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- Burglary
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- Assault
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- Theft
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- White Collar Crimes
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- Domestic Assualt
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- Property Damage
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What Type of Bail is Most Common?
Making headway through the legal system after an arrest can be an uphill battle. If you or a loved one have been arrested, your first concern is posting bail for release.
Inmates and their loved ones should learn about their options for paying bail. Being knowledgeable will help you navigate the system without feeling so lost.
How Is Your Bail Amount Decided?
Before we delve into your options for different types of bail bonds, you need to know how the judge decides your total bail amount. Judges will consider the following:
- The severity of your charges
- Your criminal history
- Your time as a citizen in the community
- Your family and ties to the community
- Your history of showing up for court
The judge will either grant bail or release the defendant on their own recognizance. A personal recognizance release is typically only granted if this is the first offense or for minor violations. This release does not require you to make cash payments or put up property as collateral, but you will need to show up for court.
What Are the Most Common Types of Bail?
Hiring a bail bondsman is one of the most common types of bail bond options, unless you get a citation release.. Although there are other bond options, including a cash bond, cash bail, or property bond, many people do not have the money to post bail.
A cash bond requires the defendant to pay thousands of dollars in bail money possibly. A property bond is similar to a cash bond, but instead of spending money, property bonds require you to use the property you own to guarantee that you’ll appear in court. Failure to appear for all court dates will result in losing your property bond and the court seizing it.
When you hire a bond company, you do not have to pay the entire amount of the posted bail. You simply need to pay a percentage of the bail amount. The percentage is the fee paid to the bail bond agent. This fee is non-refundable, even if the defendant shows up for all court appearances and is found not guilty.
How Do Surety Bonds From a Bail Bondsman Work?
The simplest way for a defendant to get out of jail quickly is through a surety bond, often called a bail bond.
People hire bail bondsmen when they cannot afford to pay their entire bail amount in cash or need a property for their total bond. Because most people do not have thousands of dollars in cash lying around or valuable property, they choose this method to get released quickly.
Instead of sitting around for weeks awaiting your court appearance, you can get out within hours of arrest. As soon as the judge sets bail, the defendant should seek professional help through bail bonds.
Bonds help eliminate some of the stress felt after an arrest. As long as the defendant does their part and shows up for court, no problems will arise between them and the bondsman.
Should You Agree to Co-Sign for Bail Bonds?
You must co-sign their surety bond if you are looking for information on getting a friend or loved one out of jail. In addition to paying the bondsman fee, you will be responsible for the following:
- You will need to ensure the defendant shows up for their court date requirements.
- You must ensure the defendant informs the bondsman of all court times and dates.
You should not feel pressured to co-sign any bail bonds. Make sure you know what to expect from the court process and are prepared to meet your responsibilities. Read the contract in its entirety, including the fine print, before signing or sending money to the defendant.
Allow Us to Help You Understand the Bail Bond Process
We understand this is a confusing time. There is so much unknown, especially if you’ve never been through the bond process.
Contact us today, and we will happily answer your bond questions. We will help relieve the confusion. With bonds, defendants can get released and go home quickly. Don’t let a single mistake cause you or a loved one to stay stuck in jail. Call us now for the help you need.
