Common Questions Regarding Bail Bonds

When your loved one has been arrested and is facing time in jail, you could help by arranging bail for them. Before you can help, however, you need to understand how bail works and exactly what you risk by taking this course of action. A bail bonds Kissimmee agency can offer you more tips and advice. Click here to learn more about the process. Read on for answers to some of the most basic questions about this option.

What’s the purpose of bail?

Bail is a specific amount of money, determined by the judge, that a defendant can pay to the court as a guarantee that he or she will show up for all court appearances. This allows defendants to avoid being in jail for the duration of their cases. Cash, property, and surety bonds are commonly used as bail.

Can I post bond for my loved one?

If a defendant cannot pay the bond, or doesn’t want to pay it, a family member or friend may be asked to put up the money. There are risks involved, however. If your loved one fails to show up for any of the required court dates, you could lose all of the money or property that you posted. This is one of the reasons that people turn to bail bonds Kissimmee agencies. For about ten percent of the established bail, the bondsman will post bail. When a defendant doesn’t show up at court, a bounty hunter will provide his or her services.

What are my responsibilities as a cosigner for a surety bond?

If you agree to cosign a surety bond and your loved one fails to show up for a court date, you may be responsible to help the bounty hunter find the defendant. If he or she cannot be found, then you will be expected to pay the full amount of the bond.

If you paid any part of the money and/or collateral used to get the bond, you can expect to pay the amount of the surety bond and a sheriff’s fee. The specific contract you made with the bail bondsman will determine how much and whether or not you get the rest of your collateral and money back.

Can I change my mind after posting a bond for a loved one?

If you have paid money to the court, you might be able to change your mind and get your money back if you can convince the defendant to return to jail before any court dates have been missed. At this point, you’ll have to file some paperwork and wait a couple of weeks for the money to be mailed back to you.

Is every defendant eligible for bail?

There are some crimes that judges won’t consider eligible for bail. This is mostly determined by the penal code. The most common of these is murder. However, bail might be set from some pretty serious criminal offenses. These include gross vehicular homicide, voluntary manslaughter, and similar crimes. Other offenses, such as DUIs, are often eligible for bail, but the judge may use discretion when establishing the amount.

Before you post bail for someone you know, carefully review all of the information you can find on the subject. Read through any contracts or promissory notes carefully before signing. Work closely with bail bond Kissimmee professionals to understand what’s at risk for everyone involved.

Weston Barnes is a write and an avid reader. When he's not writing about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships, he's immersed in his latest book.