You can use a bondsmen this means that you will pay a fee and need to use some form of collateral.
You can post cash for the full amount of the bond with the court or jail.
You can use real property (such as a home or a lot) with the court.
And lastly the judge can decide to let the defendant go on there own recognizance.
3. What is collateral?
Collateral is some property placed within the bail agent's legal control, which may be sold in the event the defendant does not show for the court proceeding. The bail agent can then sell the property to cover the amount paid to post the bail. Essentially, collateral is a way of insuring the defendant will go back to court and complete his/her obligation to the court.
4. Do I get my money back after the case is over?
There are a few exceptions to this but you do not get you 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. For example if the defendant gets rearrested a week later you get no portion nor a refund of any money. If the bondsmen fail to live up to his end of the contract then and only then you may be entitled to a refund of some kind.
5. What if I think the defendant is not going to show up for court after I have posted the bond?
There are remedies that can be done here as well, contact the bondsmen as soon as possible so that they can discuss your option in full detail with you!
6. Can the defendant leave the state or the country while on bond?
You 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!
7. Can a Bail Agent discount the fees on the premium?
The rate that you pay a bail agent is set by the department of insurance. There are companies that can legally charge 8%, but for the most part Bail is 10% of the bond amount. A company that agrees to discount their fee may have their license pulled by the department of insurance. Some companies try and lead you into believing that you will receive a discount but in the end actually charge you the whole amount. Always ask to see a rate chart if you feel that you are being wrongly charged.
8. What happens if the case go more then a year?
There are from time to time where a criminal case may take more then a year, and in this case a second premium will be owed to keep the defendant on bond! It may be wise to contact the attorney and try to get a bail reduction in the 10 or 11 month of the case in order to save a costly renewal premium.
9. What do bondsmen except as collateral?
Each bonding office will have there own standards but, for the most part they will take:
real estate
cars
credit cards
stocks
bonds
jewelry
personal credit
bank accounts
10. Are some bondsmen less expensive then others?
Bonding Agents are licensed by the state and all have a set rate. Some bondsmen are licensed to write at 8%, meaning that the cost to you the customer will be less but there are certain provisions for this rate.
20/20 Bail Bonds is one of the few agency's authorized to offer there Qualified Union and Private Defense Counsel clients a 8% amount.
