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offers you all the resources you need to understand the bail process from A to Z. Our bond agents will work quickly to get your friend or loved one out of jail.
Our comprehensive bail website will guide you through the bail process – everything you need to know from arraignment to release. We’re here to help you!
The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.”
1.Name and date of birth of person arrested
2.Location and name of jail (city and state)
3.Charges against the person arrested
4.Booking number
5.Amount of bail, if known
Bail is the means of procuring the release from custody of a person charged with a criminal offense.
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An arraignment is when the accused is brought before the court and charges are read. The defendant pleads guilty or not guilty, and the judge then decides the amount of bail to be set according to a Bail Schedule. In some cases, such as capital felonies, bail may not be granted.
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The full amount of bail set (not just 10%) must be paid in cash only. The guarantor may be refunded the full amount at disposition of the case. Note if the defendant fails to appear the entire amount will be forfeited.
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A surety bond is the most common bail bond. A professional bail bondsman guarantees the appearance of the defendant through an insurance agency (surety). The bail bondsman is paid a fee for his service and may require collateral (property) from the person posting bail.
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An immigration bond is a Federal bond set for alien detainees pending INS or Homeland Security hearings.
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The judge sets the amount of bail according to a Bail Schedule. The judge may raise or lower the amount of bail depending on several factors; including seriousness of the charges, criminal history, risk of flight, and ties to the community.
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The cost of the bond is normally 10% of the bond amount. It’s non refundable. In some cases collateral may be required to secure the bond.
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A defendant charged with a lesser crime could be released OR, or on his own recognizance, depending on several factors; including ties to the community, having a job, and little or no past criminal history.
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The court may issue a warrant for the defendant’s arrest, resulting in a separate charge, “failure to appear.” The judge may order the bail forfeited. However, the order may be set aside in extenuating circumstances such as death, major illness, or detention by law enforcement.
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A bounty hunter is a private recovery agent contracted by the bond agency to apprehend a bail fugitive. In many states this practice is no longer legal.
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The fee paid to the bonding agency is non refundable. At the dismissal of charges the bond becomes void and collateral pledged will be returned.
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