A bail bond is an agreement the defendant makes in exchange for being released from custody. A professional bail agent can help speed up the release of your loved one from custody.
Getting out on bail or bond gives defendants time to seek legal advice before appearing for trial. Here are types of bail bonds that can help anyone with a legal case get out of custody:
Cash Bonds
A cash bond requires the defendant’s family to pay the full bail amount set by the court. The money acts as collateral that a defendant will attend their trial hearing.
A cash bond may be the most convenient way to get your loved one out of court if you are financially well-off. Paying the required bail amount saves you the fees that come with the services of a bond dealer.
A bond dealer may not refund fees even if the defendant is found innocent. The court refunds you the paid bond amount if your loved one attends all their hearings. Acquittal of the defendant or dismissal of their charges also gets you refunded. A judge may consider a cash bail if a defendant needs to leave the state during their case.
Federal Bonds
Federal bail bonds assure the court that a defendant can comply with the set requirements and restrictions. A federal bond includes travel restrictions to help the court keep track of the defendant.
Judges check defendants’ criminal histories during federal bail conditions negotiations before accepting pretrial release. The defendant’s relationship with the community can also influence a pretrial release.
Surety Bonds
A surety bond involves using a bondsman’s services to secure the arrested person’s pretrial release. Surety companies give bond dealers the money needed to secure a defendant’s release. The dealer then pays the court and charges you a particular percentage of the set bail amount.
You may offer cash or some assets as collateral. A surety bond can help if you do not have adequate money to pay the total bond amount.
Property Bond
A property bond uses tangible assets like a car as collateral to get your loved one out of custody before trial. An appraiser appointed by the court evaluates the value of the property.
Property bonds must have a higher value than the bail amount the court needs. The court can require you to provide a title deed, tax documents, or a mortgage certificate to prove property ownership.
Consider Bail Bonds
Choose a bondsman that offers flexible payment options like cash, credit cards, cheques, or money orders. Obtain and compare quotes charged by different bond companies to find a budget-friendly one. Get referrals about reliable bond agents from a reputable attorney or people released on bail or bonds.
A bondsman can help secure your loved one’s pretrial release faster and more conveniently. Some common bail bonds required by courts include surety, citation, cash, recognizance, or property bonds. Contact a bonds agent today for help if a loved one is in custody for a minor criminal offense like drunk driving.
