A Brief Explanation of the Bail Bonds Process
Nobody wants to end up in jail. But even the most honest people can make mistakes at times in which they must use a bail bonds company to help get them out of jail. To complicate the situation even further the legal process can be confusing and tricky to navigate. If you have never gone through the American legal system or don’t know anyone who has, having to hire a bail bonds service very stressful. Having a bail bonds company that can be of service all day and night can ease the stress.
Different states may have different policies or laws about bail bonds, so it is important to be familiar with your particular state. For example, there are several release options which may or may not all require the use of posting bail. These options include walk through bond (for those risking incarceration due to a warrant for arrest), cash bail, surety bonds (used as an alternative to cash bail), property bond, released on ones own recognizance, and finally, release on citation which involves the courts issuing a citation informing the arrestee of their appoint court date.
When a person is arrested and then subsequently released on bail, the courts want to ensure that the person being released will return back to court to receive their sentence. Warrants are issued when a person does not show up for court, and thus skips bail. However if a person has the intention of posting their bail and retuning to court at the date scheduled, the person may contract a bail company to help them pay for the set bail amount. This is where a bail bonds company will come into play.
When going to a bail bonds company, the defendant will pay 10 percent of the bail amount, which is a nonrefundable fee. Once the fee is paid, the bail bondsman will then post bail for the defendant to be released from jail.
There are certain cases in which bail will not be set. In this case, the crime committed is serious enough where the judge does not feel that person should be allowed bail. Cases such as murder are a good example of when bail may not be granted, or the bail amount will be set extremely high. In cases where bail is not set, there is nothing for a bail bondsman to do. Instead, hiring a lawyer is better advised for the accused. However, a judge must have a valid reason to not grant bail such as: the accused fleeing, committing other offenses while released on bail or tampering with potential witnesses or victims.
Whenever dealing with a bail bonds company, make sure you are hiring someone who is going to be there very step of the way. Part of being in the bail bonds industry is being available to answer any questions throughout the entire process. Itemized receipts, copies of all contracts and agreements and the terms of financing agreements should be made readily available for you as well. Also, legal rates should not typically exceed 15 percent of the bail amount. If it doesn’t, make sure the bail bond agent can answer as to why this may be.
Author Bio: Still confused about the bail bonds process? Visit http://www.atbail.com to find additional help, resources and information.
Category: Legal
Keywords: Colorado bail bonds, Boulder bail bonds, Greeley bail bonds, Larimer county bail bonds