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Available 24/7 Call 713-247-9093
“What is a bail bond?” This question is something many people wonder about, but it quickly becomes a concern following an arrest.
Bail is a deposit that allows someone to get out of jail until their court date. It’s a form of collateral that ensures they will return for their trial or any required court proceedings.
However, not every case has the option of bail. Typically, these offers vary according to a few key factors:
When the defendant shows up for court, they refund the bail. If they do not appear in court, then the court keeps the bail amount and issues a warrant for their arrest.
Below, we break down the following questions:
A bail bond is a means for someone to pay the bail amount for their case so that they can leave jail until their court date. When a defendant cannot afford bail, they have to wait in jail until they appear in court.
Generally speaking, people prefer to pay the bail amount because they can leave jail. Moreover, it enables them to care for their children, return to work, and prepare for their court appearances.
In some cases, court proceedings take weeks, even months. So, it’s understandable why someone would prefer not to wait things out in jail, putting their life on hold.
In many situations, it’s possible to pay bail on your own. Many offenses carry small bail amounts. Additionally, some jails accept credit cards, allowing people to charge bail.
Unfortunately, even when you are able to pay the full amount, the how becomes a challenge. Often, the jail confiscates your personal items, and in some cases large amounts of cash become evidence. Some jails may not accept credit cards, and those that do may charge additional fees.
When you don’t have access to the funds, you have the option to contact a bondsman – or bail agent. Often, people do this because they only have to pay a portion of the bond when they use an agency. In many situations, a friend or relative contacts the bail agent on behalf of the defendant.
When you hire an agent or bondsman, they produce a contract to ensure that person is responsible for the defendant appearing in any court proceedings. Unfortunately, this means they are responsible for the full amount if the person does not appear in court.
It’s crucial to remember that bail is an option. In certain cases, the court sets a high bail, and choosing to nail someone out requires a great deal of trust. Be sure that you trust that individual to appear in court before you bail them out.
Typically, bail bond agencies stay open 24/7 because arrests happen around the clock. Often, it’s possible to complete paperwork electronically and expedite the process. But, what is that paperwork?
With a bail bond, the paperwork is a contract between the person posting bail and the bond agency. It ensures that they understand that they are responsible for the defendant appearing in court.
Additionally, the contract covers the collateral and fees. When you contact a bond agency, they need some specific details:
At the jail, the bail agent receives the court date, receipt, and paperwork. This information allows them to track the case.
The length of the process varies, depending on how busy the jail is.
When the defendant fails to appear in court, the bail agent is responsible for paying the total amount to the court. Then, they can hire a bounty hunter to track down the defendant and take them back to jail. Additionally, the defendant’s failure to appear in court results in the loss of the collateral put down or additional fees.
A bail hearing is where a court sets the amount of the bail. The judge examines the details of the case as well as the nature of the crimes to determine the amount.
Generally, this is the defendant’s first appearance after an arrest. Depending on the crime, the judge makes some uniform decisions. However, there are additional factors that they take into consideration.
While a defendant does not need an attorney at this point, there are some benefits to hiring a criminal defense attorney to assist with the bail hearing. The attorney has an opportunity to weigh in on certain factors and attempt to argue for a lower bail.
When you or a loved one faces arrest and jail time, it’s an overwhelming experience. “What is a bail bond” might be the furthest question from your mind. However, it’s essential that you understand the options available.
When you need assistance with bail, we are available 24/7. Call 713-247-9093 to start the process and learn more about your options.
Available 24/7
314 E Main St
Humble, TX 77338
2101 Crawford St # 309
Houston, TX 77002
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