If you are arrested and charged with a crime, the court will set a bail amount. This is the amount of money you must pay for your release from jail while you await your trial. If you cannot come up with the full bail amount, you can contact a bail bond company. This article highlights some questions on how bail bonds work.
What Does a Bail Bond Company Do?
The bail bond company will post the bail amount for you, and in return, you will pay them a fee. You will also have to sign a contract stating that you will appear in court during your case’s scheduled dates. If you fail to appear in court, the bail bond company will lose the money they posted for you, and they may come after you for the full amount.
When released from jail on a bail bond, you will usually need to regularly check in with the bail bond company and follow any other rules that they set forth. If you fail to do so, the bail bond company may revoke your bail bond and even send you back to jail.
Who Decides If I Am Eligible for Bail?
A judge will decide whether or not you are eligible for bail. They will consider several factors, including the severity of the alleged crime, your criminal history, and whether or not you are a flight risk. If the judge decides that you are not eligible for bail, you will remain in custody until your trial.
How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?
The cost of a bail bond will vary depending on the amount of your bail and the state you are in. In most states, the fee is 10% of the bail amount. So, if your bail is $10,000, you would pay the bail bond company $1,000.
You may also have to pay additional fees, such as a collateral fee — this means you would need to put up something of value, such as your home or car, as collateral. If you fail to appear in court, the bail bond company can then take possession of your collateral.
What Conditions Are Typically Attached to Bail?
Some common conditions attached to bails include curfews, travel restrictions, and drug testing. The court typically sets these conditions, which you must follow for the bail bond to remain in place.
What Happens If I Fail to Comply With the Conditions of My Bail?
Failing to comply with the bail conditions can result in a defendant forfeiting the bail bond. This means that the bail agent who put up the bail money for the defendant will be out the full amount of bail and may take legal action to recover the money. In addition, the court may issue a warrant for the defendant’s arrest.
If the defendant gets arrested on the warrant, they will likely remain in custody without bail until their trial. As a result, it is important to make sure that you understand and can comply with your bail conditions before your release from custody.
What Happens If I Win My Case?
If you are found not guilty of your charged crime, the court will return your bail to you. If you used a bail bond company, they will keep the fee you paid them. If you put up collateral, the court will return it to you.
Hand In Hand Bail Bonds provides bail bond services to defendants in criminal cases in California. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. If you need a bail bond, don’t hesitate to contact us today about our bond services.