What Are Common Bail Bonds Services?

In a few simple words, bail bonds are services paid to an individual by a court if the defendant fails to appear in court. These bonds are costly, and the money paid out is not easy to get back. However, if you face a felony charge, the average bail bond will be $10,000. Therefore, a bail bonds service is an excellent way to avoid unnecessary jail time. But if you are wondering what they are, read on to Monroe County bail bonds to discover how these bond services work.

Bail bonds are paid if a defendant fails to appear in court

A judicial officer can impose a bail bond in many cases. Under this type of bond, a defendant agrees to pay a specific amount if they fail to appear in court. In addition, a bail bond service may require a defendant to post collateral in the amount of the bail, usually some form of property or cash. Finally, the defendant or someone on their behalf must pay the total amount if the defendant does not appear in court.

If a defendant fails to appear in court, the bail money is collected by the court. Sometimes, bail money can be given to another person by posting an affidavit. A sample City Court Affidavit for Assigning Bail can be found here. While bail money is not usually collected until a defendant fails to appear in court, it is the court’s responsibility to collect it.

They guarantee a defendant’s appearance on all future court dates

A common type of bail bond is a signature bond, an agreement that a defendant will make to be released on bail. A signature bond involves a defendant securing collateral for the bail amount. In return, the defendant promises to appear in court. If the defendant fails to show, the court will require that they post the collateral. The collateral can be anything from a vehicle or other asset, and the deposit must equal the full amount of the bail.

Some defendants are less likely to flee from the courthouse if they have strong community ties. For example, they may be a homeowner or business owner or have children to provide for. These factors can all make a defendant less likely to skip court. Also, if the defendant has children, they may not have as much time as a person who cannot make their payments.

They are expensive

The most affordable way out of jail is by posting bail. Bail bond services can be very inexpensive and often set a percentage of the total bail, which will help minimize the financial burden of the crime. A judge typically sets bail amounts based on the crime the defendant has committed. You can choose to post the full sum or only a percentage of it or get out of jail immediately. No matter your crime, you can use a bail bond agent to help you out of jail.

Although the cost of a bail bond can vary, a few standard fees should be considered before signing up for a service. Many bond agents charge over the state legal price for their services. The price difference is usually because the jail does not charge a lock-up fee. It’s a common mistake for customers to feel obligated to pay for bail agents’ services. However, a good amount of the service charges are paid to the jail – not the bond agent.

They are used for a variety of crimes

While some people may not think of surety bonds as a type of service, they are a common way to shorten someone’s jail time before trial. About one-third of all pretrial detainees were charged with misdemeanors, the least serious crimes. Misdemeanors often involve a low bail amount and release on personal recognizance.

They are not refundable after the case is over

If the defendant is found guilty, the court will return the bail money to the individual. The court may return the money to the bond agency if the defendant is found not guilty. However, the court will not replace the bail money if the defendant is innocent. It is in the defendant’s best interest to pay the total amount if possible. Therefore, it is imperative to make sure you have listed the proper mailing address when applying for bail.

The fee charged by a bail bondsman is typically 10% of the total amount. In most cases, this fee cannot exceed 10%. However, the bail bond company will keep the price if the defendant misses court dates. It is, therefore, essential to note that a bail bond agency will not refund your money, even if you don’t miss a court date. If you fail to make a court date, the bail bond company can take your loved one to court in exchange for the bail amount.