How Does a Bail Bond Work?
How does a bail bond work? What if I can’t afford a bail bond? How long does a bail bond take? Check out the list of bail bond faqs below for answers to all of your questions.
What is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond is a contract between multiple parties that secures a defendant’s release from custody by guaranteeing the courts a pre-determined amount of money for non-appearance. A “Bail Bond” is sometimes referred to as a “Surety Bond.” The surety in this instance is ultimately responsible for paying the courts on any non-appearances for which the Bond Company defaults.
What happens if the defendant misses his or her court date?
The defendant is obligated by the bail agreement to appear at each and every court appearance required by the court, and failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the bail bond. Failure by the Indemnitor/s (COSIGNER/S) to act immediately will result in additional expenses such as tracing fees, court costs, recovery fees, and attorney fees should legal action be necessary.
What Information Do I Need When I Call?
We will need information on both the defendant and the cosigner as follows:
- Defendant – Jail in custody, full name, date of birth, bond amount, and charges
- Cosigner – City of residence, employment history, Date of birth
Feel free to call us even if you don’t have all the information, we are happy to give you more specific information as it is required relative to your situation.
How long will this take?
The paperwork we require generally takes less than 10 minutes. The bond will then be posted and release times can vary considerably around the state. Call us for more specific info based on county.
Will I need collateral?
Most bonds we post do not require collateral. Depending on the bond size, charge, and work history/credit score of the cosigner, there is often a way to get the defendant out without significant collateral.
Do you take payment plans?
Yes! Depending on your credit history and the size of the bond we can create payment solutions for nearly any situation. If you are in doubt, give us a call, it’s free and you just might be surprised.
Will I get my money back after my friend or family member is done with court?
No. The premium paid on a bail bond is earned upon the defendant’s release from custody. The premium on a bail bond is similar to other forms of insurance in this regard.