What You Need to Know About Bail Bonds
How does the process work?
This process involves a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a bail agent and the individual posting bail. The bail agent guarantees to the court that the defendant will appear in court each and every time the judge requires them to.
For this service, the defendant is charged a premium which is a percentage of the bail amount. Prior to the posting of a bail bond, the defendant and/or cosigner(s) must guarantee that they will pay the full amount of bail if the defendant does not appear in court.
Often a person can be bailed from jail on the signature of a friend or family member, cosigners typically need to be working an/or own a home.
After an agreement is reached, the bail agent posts a bond for the amount of the bail to guarantee the defendant's return to court.
Do I get my money back after the defendant goes to court?
When the bail bond has served its purpose, the surety will be exonerated (released from obligation). Exoneration normally occurs when the proceeding is terminated in some way or on the return of the defendant to custody. After conviction, the defendant appears for sentencing. If sentenced to imprisonment the defendant is committed to the custody of the sheriff, and the liability of the surety terminates. You will not receive any money back that you have paid a bail bondsman.
What if the person I bail our fails to appear?
The court may issue a bench warrant for his apprehension and arrest for failure to appear upon the underlying charge, which would thus be a separate triable offense, separate and distinct from the original charge.
What if the underlying criminal charge is dismissed?
Statutes provide for exoneration of the surety in the event of dismissal. However, you will not receive any money back from the bail bond company.
Licensed bail agents are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help you. If you are requesting for a bail bond to be posted, please have the person's name, date of birth and the name of the holding facility in order to expedite their release process.
Call ARW Bonds at 1-866-605-BAIL (2245) or visit their site at www.arwbailbonds.com