Bail bonds are a type of surety bond that is posted in order to secure the release of a defendant from custody. They are typically used in criminal cases and can be posted by the defendant or by a third party on the defendant’s behalf. If the defendant fails to appear for their court date, the bail bond will be forfeited, and the defendant will be subject to immediate arrest. Bail bonds have a long history in the United States, with the first professional bail bondsman believed to have started his business in 1843. The industry has grown significantly since then, and today bail bond companies are a booming business all across the nation.
Continue below to learn more about the history of bail bonds, and most importantly, how to obtain one for a release from jail right here in Indiana.
The Birth of the Bail Bond Industry
In the United States, bail bond systems date back to the early 1800s. The first professional bail bondsman in the country is believed to be Peter P. McDonough, who started his business in 1843 in New York City. McDonough’s company would help defendants with court appearances and post-trial release. The bail bond industry began to grow in the late 1800s, as more and more states began to adopt the use of bail bonds.
By the early 1900s, there were an estimated 2,000 bail bond companies operating in the United States. The industry was dealt a blow in 1966 with the passage of the Federal Bail Reform Act, which limited the use of bail bonds in federal courts. The industry rebounded, however, after the act was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1971.
Bail Bonds Today
Today, the bail bond industry is a multi-million dollar business, with an estimated 10,000 bail bond companies operating in the United States. Bail bonds are still used in federal courts, as well as in state and local courts. Getting a bail bond is typically a two-step process. First, the defendant (or a third party on their behalf) must contact a licensed and insured bail bondsman and pay a non-refundable fee, typically 10% to 15% of the total bail amount.
The bail bond agency then posts the bail on the defendant’s behalf. If the defendant fails to appear for their court date, the bail bond will be forfeited and the defendant will be issued an arrest warrant, which requires mandatory surrender to jail. The bail bond company may also hire a bounty hunter to track down and bring the defendant back to court.
Factors to Consider Before Using a Bail Bond
Getting a bail bond can be a helpful way to get out of jail while awaiting trial, especially for those facing an arrest warrant, but it is important to understand the risks involved before making any decisions. Here are some things to keep in mind if you or a loved one is considering using a bail bond:
Bail bonds typically cost 10% of the total bail amount, so if your bail is set at $10,000, you can expect to pay $1,000 for the bond.
If you fail to appear in court, the bail bond company will likely hire a bounty hunter to track you down and bring you back to court.
You may be required to put up collateral, such as your home or car, to secure the bond.
If you are found guilty, you will still owe the bail bond company the full bail amount, even if you have already paid them the 10% fee.
Bail bonds are not available in all cases, so it is important to check with the court to see if one is an option for you.
If you are considering using a bail bond, be sure to hire the right agency for service and support you can trust. Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast and secure bail bond service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We offer pre-arranged bail for arrest warrants.
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