Everyone knows what bail bonds is; or do they? There are actually various types of bail bonds, as well as, facts and information many people have had to learn the hard way. Read on to learn the easy way around bail bonds, and important facts to know if you are ever faced in a situation in which you need bail.
Learn About Bail Bonds
A bail bond is also called a surety bond. It is a formal and legal document that allows a person to be released from jail. A bail bond is mostly acquired through a bail bondsman or bail agency. They will facilitate the paperwork and the processing of your bail for a certain fee.
Bail bond fees are different from state to state. By law, a bail bond company can only charge between 10-15% of the original bond amount set forth by the judge. In one state, a bail agency can charge 15%; however, in another state, a bail bondsman can only charge ten percent. The original bond amount is the high dollar amount that the judge orders. The judge may make a persons’ bond amount $5,000, in which case, a bail agency would charge $500 for their services.
A bail agency is a company that is usually local, and near the jail of the county they service. Bail bond agencies are also called surety companies. They employ, or are owned by, bail bond agents. These bail bondsmen are highly knowledgeable on the process that happens at the jail, and know the local judges and police department when facilitating a release for someone.
If a person utilizes a bail bond agency’s services, they are expected to show up for their court hearings and complete their legal obligations. The person that co-signs for the bail bond to get their friend or loved one released from jail is responsible for the remainder of the original bond amount if the person fails to appear for court. A bail bond agent will find the co-signer and ask them to bring in the person that skipped their bail, otherwise, the co-signer is held responsible. They take on this responsibility when they sign the contract at the bail company.