Bonding

Bonding

Bonding

Selecting a bail agent (bail bondsman) is a very important decision. There are many choices and bail bondsmen out there, so this site is designed to help you understand the bail process, anticipate what to expect when posting bail, and to help you find the bail bondsman that is best suited to help you, your friend or loved one get out of jail as quickly as possible. Bail bond information varies from state to state, but understanding the basic rules regarding posting a bail bond will help you make a more informed decision when time is of the essence.

Before you sign any contracts with any bail bondsman, be sure to:
* Get itemized receipts for all charges.
* Ask for copies of all signed contracts and agreements.
* Make sure the bail bondsman with whom you are dealing will be available to you after the bail bond has been posted. Bail bondsmen provide a service to you, and you pay for that service. Be sure you ask all questions that may arise (or prepare your question beforehand), and make sure that your bail bondsman is helpful and available throughout the entire process.
* If financing is available, be sure you understand the terms of the financing agreement prior to agreeing to and signing anything.
* Verity the premium your bail bondsman is charging. Bail premiums are set by surety companies and regulated by your state’s department of insurance, and the normal premium for a bail bond is usually 10% of the full bail amount. However, federal bond premiums can be as high as 15%. Any additional charges should be itemized and explained to your satisfaction.
* Make sure you only deal with a licensed bail bondsman. Ask to see the bail bondsman’s license and identification prior to conducting any bail transaction.

1. What is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a written guarantee that a defendant will attend all further Court proceedings. Bail is set by a court to make sure that a defendant will appear and also to offer the community protection if the defendant is considered dangerous. The more likely it is that a person is dangerous or will not appear in Court when required, the higher the bail will be.

2. What type of bonds are there?
There are four primary types of bonds: Cash Only, Secured, Unsecured, and Signature or Own Recognizance sometimes called “OR”).

3. How can bonds be posted?
Cash Only: The defendant and/or a co-signer must pay a designated amount of money to the Court. The defendant and a co-signer, if any, must also sign a bond order guaranteeing the appearance of the defendant at further Court hearings.
Secured: The defendant must pay a designated amount of money or provide the Court with security such as a title to property worth at least as much as the ordered bond amount. The co-signer and defendant must then sign a bond order guaranteeing the defendant’s appearance for further Court proceedings.
Unsecured: The defendant signs a bond guaranteeing appearance for further hearings with the understanding that if the defendant does not appear, he/she will be responsible for paying the Court a designated amount of money. In these instances a hearing officer may require that a responsible third party, such as a relative, sign the bond.
Signature/Own Recognizance “OR”: The defendant signs a bond order guaranteeing appearance for further proceedings.

4. When I sign a bond, what am I promising?
You are promising that the defendant will appear and that the defendant will follow all conditions placed on him/her.

5. Where can I go to post bond and when?
Bonds for Family Court defendants must be posted at Family Court during the regular business hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

6. Who can post bond for a juvenile?
Any adult can post bond for a juvenile; however, the juvenile can only be released to his/her parents or a guardian.

7. What can I do if I want the bond changed?
If you have posted bond and wish to change either the conditions or the amount, you must file a Motion to Modify Bond. This motion will be held for 10 calendar days and then taken to the appropriate hearing officer for review. In some cases a hearing will be scheduled and you will be notified in writing when to attend. In other cases the hearing officer (a judge or commissioner) will make a decision based on the motion without a hearing, and you will receive an order in the mail.

8. When do I get my money back on a bond?
Bond money or property is released only after a case ends and a final order is entered. You will receive a check from the cashier in the mail or you may go to pick it up.

9. What happens if the defendant does not show for court as promised?
You could lose any money or property that was posted for bail.