Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get A Bail Bond?
- You choose a bondsman.
- Complete bail bond paperwork
- Pay the 10% bail bond fee
- Wait for the jail to release your loved one
How can I pay for a bail bond?
Acceptable forms of payment are cash or credit card, payment plan options may be available.
Who is an indemnitor/guarantor?
An indemnitor/guarantor is an individual, usually a family member or friend of the defendant, who agrees to make sure the defendant gets to every court hearing.
What Information Do I Need to Provide the Bail Bond Agent?
- The full name of the defendant and where he or she is in custody
- The bondsman will need your valid driver’s licence, proof of address, and payment.
- Three references, people that can reach the defendant
How can I pay for a bail bond?
Acceptable forms of payment are cash or credit card. Payment plan may be available, you must speak with the the bondsman.
What’s Collateral?
Collateral is something of value that’s “held” by the bail agency to ensure the defendant is present for all court proceedings. Our bonding office will accept these forms of bail collateral in addition to a co-signer.
- Cash
- Real estate
- Cars
Will the Collateral be Returned?
A bail bond agency has a legal responsibility to safeguard all collateral. As long as the defendant has not failed to appear before the court, collateral is returned once a case is completed and a certified copy of the discharge is in our office – whether the defendant is found innocent or guilty. A bail agent’s fee, however, is not returned; this is payment for services rendered regardless of the outcome of the case.
Do I Get My Money Back After The Case Is Over?
There are a few exceptions to this but you do not get your premium back that you paid to the bonding office. This fee is what allowed the defendant to get out of jail and is fully earned once the defendant is out of custody.
How long does it take to get released from jail on bond?
That usually depends on where the defendant is being held. Most jails can range from three – eight hours. Immigration may take up to six or more hours.
Can The Defendant Leave The State Or The Country While On Bond?
No, the defendant will have to get permission from the bonding office in writing before attempting to do so. If the court has given you direct instructions not to leave the state or country you must then get permission from the bail agent and the court before leaving. Otherwise you are subject to arrest.
What If I Think The Defendant Is Not Going To Show Up For Court After I Have Posted The Bond?
Contact the bondsmen as soon as possible so that they can discuss your option in full detail with you.
What happens if the defendant fails to appear?
If you think the defendant is going to flee, contact your bondsman as soon as possible to review what options are available to you. If a defendant fails to appear before the court, he is considered a fugitive and a bench warrant is issued for their arrest. The bail bond agent makes every effort to locate the fugitive and return them to custody. However, if the bail bond agent is unable to locate the fugitive the bail agent must pay the entire bond amount to the court. The bail bond agent can recover the cost by turning to the collateral to reimburse the loss.
