Bail bonds can be a confusing topic for many people. It’s important to understand the financial benefits of a bail bond in order to decide if it’s the best route for you to take. Let’s explore how they work, who pays for them, the associated costs, as well as following bail rules.
How Bail Works
When someone is arrested and charged with a crime, they may be released from jail on their own recognizance or on bail. If bail is set, the accused must provide a certain amount of money to be released from jail while they await trial. The money is held as a guarantee that they will show up at all court proceedings. If the accused fails to appear in court, the money is forfeited and the accused is subject to further consequences.
However, if you show up to trial and follow all bail rules, then you will get the bail money back. Although it seems like a good deal, most people can’t afford to pay bail themselves. Therefore, they end up having to await trial in a jail cell if they don’t post bail. That’s where bail bonds come in. They are meant to get you out of jail fast, without costing you an arm and a leg.
The Financial Benefits of a Bail Bond
Bail bonds are an alternative to posting cash bail. When someone posts a bail bond, they are essentially taking out a loan from a bail bond company. The company agrees to post the bail amount in exchange for a fee paid by the accused. The fee is usually 10-15 percent of the total bail amount and is non-refundable.
Using a bail bond is a much cheaper option than paying the full amount of the bail. If you post bail yourself, it’s completely out of pocket and the full amount upfront. However, with a bail bond, it’s only that small percentage that you have to pay, while the bondsmen cover the rest. Additionally, bail bond companies often offer payment plans to make the process even more affordable.
Following Bail Rules
The rules of bail are set by the court system and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Generally speaking, a bail amount is set to ensure the defendant will appear in court, and if they do not, the amount will be forfeited. Additionally, a judge may set specific conditions for the defendant’s release, such as not leaving the state or having any contact with the alleged victims. If the defendant is found to have violated any of the conditions, the bail amount may be revoked and the defendant taken back into custody.
When a bail bond company posts bail for you, they are responsible for you showing up to court. They send regular reminders of the court date and are available to answer any questions that arise. If you fail to appear in court, not only will you get arrested again, but you will owe the entire bail amount plus additional fees to the company.
If you follow the rules, the bail bond company will get the money back that they posted for you, and you won’t owe them anything else other than the 10-15% fee they charged you at the beginning.
Return Home with A-EZ Out Bail Bonds
If you or a loved one has gotten arrested in Dallas or surrounding areas, give A-EZ Out Bail Bonds a ring. Our bondsmen work 24/7, every day of the year including holidays. We make bail affordable and get you home fast! As you can see, there are many financial benefits of a bail bond, and we are here to provide you with a speedy one!