Bailing Someone Out of Jail: What You Need to Know
Bail is a system where a person who is arrested can be released from jail, provided they pay a certain amount to ensure that they will appear when scheduled. If a loved one was arrested, a family member can sign a bail contract with a licensed bondsman to secure their loved one’s release. Here’s what you need to know to bail someone out of jail.
The Process of Bail
In some cases, a court may refuse to release an arrested individual on a recognizance basis and may require them to provide a financial guarantee that they will make their arranged court appearances. This financial guarantee is what is known as bail. Bail is the set amount of cash needed for the person to be released from police custody. One of the conditions of release is the promise to appear at scheduled hearings in the future. If the bailed person attends their hearing, the bail amount is returned. If they fail to appear, however, they are likely to face arrest and can't reclaim the bail amount.
The Process of Paying Bail
When the judge sets bail, the individual charged needs to pay the court to secure their release. If they can't afford to pay the bail, a bail bond agent can pay the amount on their behalf. A bail bondsman usually charges a non-refundable fee. The bail bondsman may also require collateral in case the person doesn't appear in court as ordered. The bail bondsman agrees to forfeit the remaining bail amount if the person doesn't attend the court hearing and may sell the collateral to recover their losses.
Paying Bail When a Loved One Is Arrested
If a loved one is arrested and cannot afford their bail, you may contact a bail bondsman and help secure their release. This will require you to pay the non-refundable fee in order to secure the bond agreement, and also sign a bail bond contract.
When signing a bail bond contract, you should be aware that you are becoming what is known as an “indemnitor”, or a guarantor. This means that you are agreeing to a number of specific terms for which you will be held liable. These include:
Making sure the defendant appears at every court date they are scheduled.
Pay any additional court fees, or additional fees to bonding agent should the defendant fail to appear at their scheduled court dates.
Pay the entire bail amount should the defendant flee or disappear. If collateral was used to secure the bail in lieu of money, that collateral is subject to sale.
Be entirely responsible for the defendant. When you sign a bail bond contract you are accepting the burden to ensure the defendant adheres to the terms of their release.
Loved One Arrested? Contact Blandon Bail Bonds Today
If your loved one was arrested, you need to make sure they get legal help as soon as possible. Then, give Blandon Bail Bonds a call. No collateral? No problem! At Blandon Bail Bonds we understand the stress our clients are under. That’s why we make our process quick and simple! We work with you to make sure you get the help you need – FAST! We even offer payment plans. So, what are you waiting for? If your loved one was arrested, give us a call today at 305-597-4595.