Bail Bondio

Let's face it: nobody wants to get into trouble with the law or the courts. However, if you or someone you care about finds themselves under arrest they might have the option to be released from custody on bail pending the resolution of their case. Being released on bail means that a fixed amount has been issued by the judge which is intended to guarantee the defendant's reappearance in court.

If the defendant fails to show up for the trail, then that bail is forfeited to the state. However, when the trial has concluded, that bail posting is returned. Keep in mind that there is a major difference between posting bail and a posting bail bond. The issue to consider is how much money do you have available?

Bail versus a Bail Bond
If a judge issues bail in the amount of $25,000 then the defendant has the option to pay that full amount to get them out of custody. That amount can essentially be paid by anyone in full. Until it is paid, the defendant will be kept in jail. As is often the case, not everyone has that kind of available cash on hand. That is why you turn towards a licensed bail bond company who acts as the insurer for the full amount.

In exchange for taking on that responsibility, they are allowed to post the bail for a premium which in most states equals 10% of the total bail amount. This means that a bail bonds company needs to put up $2,500 "bond" to get the defendant out of custody. And that $2,500 will typically be coming from a friend or family member of the defendant.

How Much For A Bail Bond
When you enter into a contract with a bail bonds company, you are in essence guarantying the full amount of the bail even if you're only paying the premium. This makes you the indemnitor of that defendant and makes you responsible for the full bail amount if they fail to appear in court. Basically, you pay $2,500 to the bail company. That is money they keep as a fee and you won't be getting back.

But if the defendant skips out on their bail a warrant will be issued for their arrest. If the bail is forfeited it means the bail bond company will be paying the court the $25,000 and you'll be paying the bail bond company back that $25,000.

Call In The Bounty Hunter
This is why bounty hunters, like the famous Dog the Bounty Hunters are in business and why they value bringing a defendant into custody. At any point during this process you can tell the bond company your fear the defendant might be skipping out and you want to rescind the bail.

This means they can then go and arrest the defendant and put them back into custody awaiting trail. You'll still be out the premium payment but at least you won't be on the hook for the full bail amount. That's why if you find yourself in this type of situation, it's important to work with a licensed and experienced bail bond company.