When a judge sets bail for an accused person, that amount is often more than they can afford. A bail bondsman can help by posting a bond on their behalf. They charge a nonrefundable fee of a percentage of the bail amount, which is typically 10 percent.
The bondsman will also require collateral to secure the bond. This can include property, cash and even credit cards in some cases.
Being arrested can be a stressful experience especially when it happens in the South Bay Detention Facility. Learn why bail bonds are essential.
Reliability
Getting arrested or having a friend or family member arrested can be an unnerving experience. You’ll want to find a bail bond company that is reliable and will help you get your loved one out of jail quickly. A trustworthy company will be honest about the cost of their services and will not try to take advantage of your fear and stress.
Bail and bonds both work as a guarantee that the defendant will return for their court dates. A judge decides the amount of bail based on the offense and if the defendant is considered a flight risk. If you can’t afford to pay the whole amount of bail, you can post a bond with a bail bond company.
The bond company will charge a fee which is usually 10% of the total bail. The bond company will also have you sign a contract agreeing to be responsible for the defendant if they don’t appear in court.
Accessibility
Bail is set to ensure that defendants return for their court dates. However, most defendants are not wealthy and may have trouble paying the amount of bail set by the judge. This is why they need a bail bond agent to write a surety bond for them.
Bail bond companies are for-profit businesses that charge a nonrefundable fee to post bail for a defendant. To qualify for a bond, most bail bond companies require reliable references who can vouch for your character and reliability. It is also important to note that most states will conduct a credit check as part of the bail bond process to verify your financial responsibility.
A trustworthy bail bond company will always be available to answer your questions and concerns. Avoid any company that makes you feel rushed or that gives you a hard time when trying to explain the process to you. You should also avoid any companies that do not have reliable business hours, as they are unlikely to be there for you when you need them the most.
Collateral
Collateral is offered in place of or in addition to cash to secure a bail bond. Real property is the most common type of collateral. A home, a plot of land and investment properties are acceptable forms of collateral. However, the property offered cannot be under a mortgage and it must have value. A vehicle is another common form of collateral. The title to the car or truck can be turned over to a bondsman who will keep it until the case is resolved.
Precious metals like gold or silver bullion are also accepted as collateral. The bondsman will have them appraised to determine their value and apply the amount to the premium that you owe. Other movable items like electronics, guns and jewelry are also accepted as collateral. Cash is not as popular as other forms of collateral but it works in some cases. Whatever is offered as collateral will be returned when the person who gave it up shows up for all court hearings, the charges are dropped, they are exonerated or the case is concluded.
Experience
Defendants who are arrested must pay the court a specified amount of money in order to be released from jail. Those who cannot afford to pay this amount can use a bail bond. Essentially, this is a contract that acts as an assurance to the court that you will appear in court for your scheduled court dates.
A bondsman will typically charge a fee of 10% or less of the total bond amount. They also require that you and any co-signers provide collateral that is equal to the value of the bond.
Bail bondsman can be a great resource for those who need help getting out of jail quickly. They can help you keep your job, care for children, and prepare for your court proceedings without the stress of having to be in jail. They can also answer any questions you may have about the process. However, you should always choose a reputable and experienced bail bond company such as Sevens Legal, APC.