If you have a friend or loved one facing jail time, it can be hard to understand the process. This article will explore bail bonds, how they work, and what to consider when helping someone get out of jail.
When a defendant is arrested, they can be released from jail after offering the court money. This cash is returned once the accused has appeared in court.
What is a Bail Bond?
Bail is an amount a judge sets as insurance that the accused will return for trial. The court considers the severity of the alleged offense and whether or not they are likely to flee.
The judge will then decide whether or not the accused should be released on their recognizance, granted bail with conditions, or denied bail altogether. Those who can afford it can post their cash bail or get a surety bond from a bail bond agent.
If the accused does not appear for their court dates, then their bail will be forfeited, and they will be taken back to jail. If they do appear, the money put up by friends and family will be returned (although the bail bondsman will keep the 10% fee as profit). The bond is backed by collateral that the accused agrees to pledge. This could be a house, jewelry or stocks.
How Does a Bail Bond Work?
Defendants can use bail bonds Lancaster county, PA to keep themselves free while they await trial and avoid losing their jobs, homes, or lives. If bail is set at an amount higher than the defendant can afford, they must turn to family members or friends for help. To post a bond, the person paying the money must go to the courthouse and fill out paperwork.
They must also agree to indemnify or co-sign the accused person. This means they promise to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not attend court or skips out of town. In addition, they must agree to call the bail bond agent before each court date and check in with them afterward.
Bail bonds work on the theory that people will return to court if they know their loved ones are risking their money to help them. However, studies have shown that bail does not significantly improve court attendance.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Bail Bond?
One of the biggest advantages of using a bail bond is that it allows your loved one to avoid spending days or weeks in jail. This also means that they can continue to work and attend to their family obligations while they wait for their trial date.
Bail is a vital component of our legal system because it allows defendants to get out of jail before their trial starts. It upholds the principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If a defendant fails to attend their trial, the court will issue an arrest warrant. Then, the bond company that posted their bond will hire a bounty hunter to find them and bring them back into custody.
This is why it’s important to work with a bail bondsman who offers flexible payment arrangements so you can pay off your portion of the bond without putting too much strain on your budget.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Bail Bond?
If you or someone you love gets arrested and needs to pay a large sum of money for bail, it can be a stressful and expensive affair. Fortunately, there are bail bonds to help people avoid being stuck in jail for weeks while awaiting their trial date.
A bail bond is a three-party contract between the defendant, the cosigner (typically a family member or friend), and a bail agent. Rather than paying the full amount of the bail set by the court, the defendant pays a small percentage of it to the bond company, which puts up the rest of the money to get the person out of jail.
This saves the defendant money and allows them to continue with their daily routine, catering for their family’s needs, resuming their employment, and resuming any travel plans they may have had. This can be a huge relief as incarceration can disrupt these important areas of life.
