How Do Bail Bonds Work?

Posted by ABC Bail Bonds

how do bail bonds work

Everyone has heard of bail bonds on television and the Internet, but most people have no idea how they work. If you suddenly need a bail bond, learning the intricacies of the process may be daunting. ABC Bail Bonds, however, is here to help you understand the ins and outs of the process. This short guide will teach you all you need to know about bail and bond work.

What Are Bail Bonds?

When a judge sets someone’s bail, it is usually too high for most people to pay. So, instead of paying this total price, a person may purchase a bail bond, a surety bond.

The kind of bail bond available to defendants depends on the circumstances of the trial.

In criminal cases, a court uses a criminal bail bond to ensure the defendant appears for trial and is financially responsible for the court’s fees. Courts use a civil bail bond in civil lawsuits to ensure the defendant can pay expenses accrued during the trial.

Is Bail The Same As A Bond?

A common misconception is that these two are the same. However, the two are pretty different; one cannot exist without the other.

The term bail refers to an amount of money set by a judge. This amount is the total amount a defendant must pay to be released. The sum is usually high but representative of the accused’s crimes.

However, a bail bond is a surety bond that a defendant or a family member may purchase to cover the bail amount. The bail bond only costs a small portion of a defendant’s bail. This amount is usually around 10% by law, but can be lower in certain situations. A bail bonds company will post the remaining bail amount with the defendant’s or co-signer’s property (real estate, jewelry).

How Does The Process Work

Suppose a court sets a defendant’s bail at $100,000. The defendant could pay that entire sum to secure release from custody or purchase a bail bond for around $10,000 and then be released.

If a defendant arrives at their court date and pays in full, the court usually returns their bail. If they bought a bail bond, the company that sold it keeps the premium used to purchase it and nothing else. However, defendants who do not attend court forfeit their bail if paid in full or their possessions if they bought a bail bond. A bail bonds company must seize a defendant’s possessions because the company used them to back the rest of the cost of the bond.

Where Can People Find Bail Bonds?

A professional PBUS member company, such as ABC Bail Bonds, is the best place to get a bond. These companies are the only ones willing to navigate the difficulties when bailing people out of jail. However, our business is at high risk due to the large sums of money involved.
Learn more about high-risk bond services in the following cities:

Leave us a review or learn more about our bail bond services at the following locations: