Everyone has heard the term, “bail bonds” at some point in their life, but hopefully has never had to experience its very harsh realities. Bail bonds are a complicated situation that requires the guidance of a professional. There are many bail bond agencies in your area that can help you with common questions and needs you may have. For a brief understanding, let’s explore the other types of bonds out there, so that you may always know the distinction among them.

Surety Bonds

A surety bond is more commonly called a bail bond. It is the type of bond used in most states to promise the release of someone in jail. In most cases, the bail agency will charge a standard rate, usually 10% of the full bond amount. If the total bond amount is $10,000, then you pay a non-refundable service fee of $1,000 to get that person released from jail. If the person does not show up for the scheduled court date, the bail agency is required to pay the full bail amount for them, unless they can find the defendant who jumped bail, and return them to the courts. These people are called bounty hunters, and really do exist.

Property Bonds

These types of bonds are used when someone does not have the cash to bail themselves out of jail; so instead, they put up some of their property. This can be a house, car, or anything of value that has the equivalent value of the bond. These bonds are not always available and different from state to state. If the person shows up for their hearing, then the property is released back to them, as if it were just collateral. If the person does not show up for their scheduled hearing, then the courts begin to repossess their property, and often times, auctions it off for money.

Release on Your Own Recognizance

This is usually for first time offenders and very minor charges, like unpaid traffic tickets. This is when the federal law allows a person to be released from jail without bail, under the agreement that they will show up for their scheduled court date, and avoid any more illegal activity.

Citation Release

This is for very minor charges like j-walking. It is a strategy also used by many county jails to avoid over population issues. Instead of being arrested and taken to jail, the police officer will issue you a citation or ticket, obligating you to show up for court. In this situation, a person is free to carry on with their day, but attend a future court date and probably ordered to pay a fine.

Indiana Bail Bonds

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure Indiana bail bond service you can trust. Owner, James Woods, and his team of licensed bail bondsmen, provide 24 hour bail bond services in over 30 Indiana counties. Regardless of time, day, or city, we can get you out of jail fast, and for as low as 8% of your total bond! Call 317-876-9600 to learn more about Indiana bail bonds, or to request a free estimate, today.