If you find yourself arrested for the first time, your immediate concern is likely getting out of jail. However, before your release, it’s crucial to have important information at hand.
Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about the workings of a bail bond!
1. How Much Will it Cost to Secure Bail with a Bondsman?
The cost you incur for bail varies depending on the nature of your offense and the assigned bail amount.
In some cases, a bail bondsman may request a small service fee, along with legally mandated charges required by law for your release. Apart from these nominal expenses, usually amounting to less than $100, you are expected to pay a fixed percentage of the total bail amount assigned to you.
Typically, bail bondsmen require 10-15% of the total bail amount. So, if your bail is set at $10,000, you may pay just $1,000 instead of the full $10,000.
2. What Does Entering Into a Bail Bond Agreement Mean?
Entering into a bail bond agreement entails a commitment to comply with any legal requirements specific to your case. This includes reporting to the appropriate authorities, attending court dates as mandated, paying court-assigned fees, and more.
Additionally, you are expected to abide by the law while awaiting the court’s decision and avoid any actions that could result in additional charges before a determination is reached.
Failure to fully comply with the agreement grants the bondsman the right to collect the remaining bail money not paid at the time of release. Moreover, the bondsman may be held responsible for the outstanding bail amount if you fail to fulfill your legal obligations.
3. What is Required When Signing a Bail Bond Agreement?
To secure bail with a bondsman, you only need to meet a few simple requirements.
These typically include:
- A money order to cover the holding facility’s amount due (usually $50 or less)
- A state-issued or approved form of identification
- 10-15% of the assigned total bail amount or collateral equal to the required sum
- Providing essential information to the bail bondsman, such as your name, address, phone number, employer details, and possibly proof of employment or income
- Your signature, the signature of any applicable guarantor or witness, indicating agreement with the terms defined in the bail bond agreement
- You may also need to sign an agreement with the county or state responsible for your arrest
- While these requirements may vary slightly depending on your state and the chosen bail bond company, they generally follow a similar pattern.
4. What Are My Responsibilities Once I Am Released?
Upon release from jail, it is crucial to fulfill your responsibilities outlined in the agreement; otherwise, you risk rearrest.
Typically, your responsibilities include:
- Attending all court dates promptly
- Reporting to requested court officials or law enforcement agencies as required
- Regularly reporting to the bail bond company while awaiting the court’s decision
- Complying with any court- or law-enforced requirements
- Abstaining from illegal activities or behaviors that may lead to further legal action during the period before the court’s decision
- Informing the bail bond company and the courts of any changes in your address, employment, phone number, or whereabouts
- Adhering to the terms of the agreement with the bail bond company
- Depending on your case, additional responsibilities may be imposed. For instance, you may be restricted from leaving the state or contacting the defendant, or you may
- need to undergo mandatory drug tests.
5. What Happens if I Miss My Court Date?
Failure to appear in court without prior permission may result in rearrest or payment of the remaining balance of your bail to the bondsman.
It is essential to attend all assigned court dates unless you have made arrangements with the court to reschedule your case.
6. How Soon Can I Secure Bail?
By law, certain misdemeanor charges require a mandatory waiting period before you can secure bail. These may include domestic violence charges or instances where you are detained while under the influence of illegal substances or alcohol.
In felony cases and potentially other situations defined by law, you must wait until an arraignment or hearing where a judge sets your bail amount. However, these procedures generally occur within days of your arrest.
Once bail has been determined and any mandatory waiting period has passed, you can usually contact a bail bond company like Barrino Bail Bonds, who will assist you in securing bail. In most cases, once all requirements are met, you can be released on the same day you contact the bail bond company.
However, you may need to exercise patience as it may take several hours for the bondsman to arrive and process your release. Additionally, you may need to allocate time for signing documents and making financial arrangements.
Require legal assistance?
If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to have an attorney represent you in court. If you can demonstrate financial need, the courts are obligated to provide you with legal representation. However, the requirements to qualify as indigent generally apply to a limited number of offenders.
Contact us to find an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights!
