When someone is arrested and held on bail, the only way to get them out of jail while they await trial is to pay the bail bond amount set by the court. If you have a friend or family member that needs bail, you may be able to help them, but it is essential that you understand the process and your responsibility after posting bail for them. In most cases, the process starts with hiring a bail bonds company to help you put up the money for the bond. The bond agent can walk you through the process and ensure you understand everything along the way.
What Is A Bail Bond
Bail bonds are a way to get out of jail and wait for a trial after being accused of a crime. The charges in the case often dictate the amount of the bond and can be pretty high if the crime is serious enough.
The court requires that the bail be paid in full before the defendant leaves jail. For many people, the bail may be more than they can pay upfront, so using a bail bonds agency to pay the bond is an option to consider.
The bond agency will pay the bail for you, but you must pay a percentage of the money to the bail bonds company first. You do not get that money back if the defendant does not show up for court, and the percentage can change from one bond company to another. There are also service fees involved, so if you put up five hundred dollars, you may only get four hundred back, depending on the fee amounts.
Bailing Out On Bond
Before the bail bonds company pays the bail for your friend or family member, they will meet with you to go over the terms of the bond and take your payment. A bond agent will also talk to the defendant to determine if they feel the bond is a good risk.
Bail bond companies are not obligated to take on a bond. If they feel the defendant is a flight risk, they can decline the bond. If they do take on the bond, there are some rules involved that include check-ins and staying out of trouble.
Once your friend or family member is out of jail, as the payee on the bond, you assume some responsibility for them. If they are not staying out of trouble, the bail bond company can revoke the bail and send them back to jail. If you have concerns about them appearing, let the bond agent know so they can check on them and pick them up if necessary.
For more information about bail bonds, contact a local company.