How Bail Bonds Works

What Happens To The Person Who Just Got Arrested?

This question is frequently asked by those who are for the first time faced with helping a person get out of jail. First, the arrestee is taken to a holding facility and the person is ‘booked in’. This booking process involves fingerprinting, the so-called mug-shot, and a search to find if any outstanding warrants exit. The charges are confirmed, the bail amount is set. This process may take a few hours. If no outstanding warrants exist and this is not a capital crime (murder), the person is eligible for bail.

How to Secure a Bail Bond

The question is, “How do I obtain a bail bond?” Answer: It’s simple and it’s quick – it may take only 30 minutes, at the most.

We’ll need some information from you, such as, what is your relation to the person in jail, how long have you lived in your current place of residence, and how long have you been at your present job? This gives us a good understanding of you – the potential signer for the defendant in jail. It’s really very simple. Remember, bailing people out of jail is all we do!

FACT: A bondsman guarantees to the court that the person will appear to face his/ or her charge.

The Basic Structure of a Bond

There are two parts to a bond. The fee, which is the fee charged to the customer and is based on the full bond amount of the bond. This can be paid with a credit card, check, cash or if necessary – we’ll help you with a short term loan, if necessary. In most cases we can do a signature bond, which means that no collateral is taken; we’ve based our decision on the merits of the bond and the financial strength of the signer. The real issue in obtaining a bond is that you talk straight to the bondsman, be realistic about your ability to pay, and understand the need to get that person to court, because you are accepting the full financial responsibility for them should they forfeit. Again, the total process may take only 30 minutes. Remember, we are here to help you!

What About a Forfeiture?

Just What Happens When a Forfeiture Occurs? This seems to be an area that most people don’t understand very well. The action of forfeiture is when a person does not make their court appearance. Although it can compromise the bail agreement and the court’s view of the defendant, it can be solved sometimes very simply. We know things can go wrong and failing to appear in court at the appropriate time and place – happens. And yes, a bench warrant will be issued, but remember, a bail bond company can be a good friend in many cases. We know the court system and can suggest your best approach with the courts. So, if your person fails to go to court, please inform us immediately. We work for you – our valued customer.

What Does Exoneration Mean and When Am I Released From My Financial Responsibility?

Exoneration of charges is the full release of a person from his / her court cases, which means that a person has appeared in court at all required times and has satisfied the court with regards to the final sentencing /determination on all charges. The court will then release the bail company from all financial responsibility. This means you, as the signer, will also be released from financial responsibility on the bond. Any collateral held, any monies pledged, or any property recorded for this bond will be returned. (Some fees may be deducted – each bond is different).