The criminal justice system can be quite daunting to those who find themselves or their loved ones on the wrong side of the law. One of the critical steps in this process is the identification of bail bonds – a kind of mechanism that enables a suspect to be released and not remain in jail while waiting for trial. Below is the comprehensive information that will help you understand all the elements of bail bonds.
A bail bond is money that the bail bond company deposits with the court to guarantee the client’s attendance in court. This magnanimity entails that in case the defendant fails to show up, the bail bond firm is supposed to deposit the full amount with the court. Besides, the system keeps society’s security and the defendant’s presumption of innocence equal by disallowing the presumption of guilt.
Understanding Bail Bond
Bail is the money that is fixed by the court after an arrest for a crime. It depends on the degree of offense, criminal record, and the possibility of the accused escaping justice. If the defendant or his family is unable to come up with the full amount required to pay the bail, they get the services of a bail bond company.
The defendant or a co-signer pays the bonding company a premium ranging from $100 to $200, or 10% to 15% of the bail amount. Occasionally, guarantees such as property and other assets may be demanded. After the fee is paid and any relevant property pledged, the bondsman pays the full amount to the court, thus ensuring the defendant’s release.
The Cost of Bail Bonds
This cost is a fixed amount normally charged as a percentage of the total bail that the court has set. This fee is non-refundable irrespective of the result of the case or whether or not the case was handled. This cost can be rather high, yet most bail bond installment loan company enable the family members of the defendant to pay the fee through installments. The decision of selecting a reliable bail bond company can be very stressful, and therefore, it is recommended that one selects a reputable bail bond company to avoid further stress in future.
Risks and Responsibilities
Here are some of the possible concerns that customers should be aware of when getting a bail bond. If the defendant defaults on their court appearance, and the actual bail bond company in question may hire a bail bondsman commonly referred to as a bounty hunter to arrest and return the defendant into custody. Also, the co-signer opens an option of losing an attached asset and faces the obligation to pay the full amount of the bail.
Selecting the Right Bail Bond Company
Before proceeding to the next step, it is important to choose a reliable bail bond company. Here, the general guideline is to work with a company that has a favorable reputation, does not mislead the client in terms of payments, and is ready to provide comprehensive answers to all the questions. A few companies go the extra mile in providing ancillary services that as directing clients to an attorney or availing of an instalment loan company to support the expenses incurred.
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