Basic Guide to Bail Bonds

If you are arrested for a crime then you may have to spend time in jail awaiting your trial, and in some cases this can take months and can be a very stressful and upsetting experience, especially if you believe you are innocent of the crimes you are suspected of. In the US there is a bail system in place through which the suspect can arrange to pay a certain amount of money so that they can be released from jail during the period leading up to their trial. Bail will be set by a judge and is usually thousands of dollars, but if the suspect does not have enough money they can request a bail bond.

Bail Bonds typically cost around 10% of what the original bail is set at, and are therefore much more affordable for low income individuals, and these bonds are issued by a bail bond company and act as a kind of insurance, which guarantees to the court that the suspect will appear for their arraignment and hearings. To get a bail bond the suspect will need a family member or close friend to visit the bail bond company to pay the fees on their behalf (known as co-signing) so that the bond can be issued. Once released the suspect will have to visit the bail bond company in person to have their photo taken and provide any additional information.

Signature Bail Bonds

These are used in misdemeanor and minor criminal cases and allow the suspect to be released without paying a cash deposit. Signature bonds are only used in cases where the suspect has no prior criminal history, the crimes are minor and the suspect poses no threat to the community.

Full Surety Bond

Full surety bonds are used in serious criminal cases where the bail is set so high that the suspect cannot afford to meet the costs of release, and is a contractual agreement between the suspect, bail agent and guarantor. These bonds are not allowed in all states, and the costs can vary as it is the bonds company which sets the fees, and the methods by which the bonds agent secures a defendants appearance in court are largely unregulated.