Frequently Asked Questions About Bail Bonds

Most people are not familiar with the bail bond process. Often, when someone receives that unexpected call about a loved one or friend being held in jail, several questions may arise. Listed below are some of the more frequently asked questions along with very brief answers when it comes to posting bail for a defendant.

1: What is Bail?

Bail is set by a judge and is intended to guarantee that the defendant will return to court as required.

2: What is a Bond?

When a defendant cannot afford to pay the entire bail amount, they can call on the help of a bail bondsman. The bail bonds company will post a paper “bond” with the court for the full amount of the bail. The bail bond is a contract which states that the defendant will show up for court..

3: Is a Bondsman a Bounty Hunter?

While a bondsman can pick up a defendant and return him or her to jail, a bondsman is not the same as a bail recovery agent (commonly known as a “bounty hunter”).

4: Who is allowed to post the bail for a defendant?

Anyone. However, posting bail is a big responsibility. The same obligations outlined in the bail bond contract apply to both the defendant and to the person bailing them out. If you purchase the bond, you will pay 10% of the total bail amount, which is non-refundable. It is your choice to use the bail bond service instead of paying the entire cash bail amount.

These are some of the most common questions. For additional information, please visit our Bail Bonds FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions. Or, submit your bail bonds question directly.

---