Most people may not know how the bail bonds system works, depending on if the state they are in actually allows for bail bondsman to operate. The entire process encompasses from the time the person is apprehended to the point at which they walk out of court on their appointed date.

Arrested and Booked

The first step to understanding the bail bond process begins with the arrest and booking of the defendant. After the arrest and during the booking process is when the bail is set, if bail is an option. Whether or not bail is set is based upon a number of factors such as the severity of the crime and whether or not the defendant is considered a flight risk. During the booking process the defendant is processed. This processing includes finger printing, prior arrest checks, warrant checks, background checks, weapon searches, and personal item cataloging and storage. After this the defendant is placed in a cell where they will wait until bail is determined.

Time for Release

There are several different forms of release that a defendant can be subject to. These encompass surety bond, own recognizance, property bond, cash bail, cite out, immigration bond, or in some cases a combination of these different types. Depending on the severity of the crime and the character and situation of the defendant any one of these can be applicable. The only one of these that involves a bail bondsman is the surety bond. This is why a surety bond is referred to as a bail bond.

Hire a Bondsman

If the choice of a surety bond, or bail bond, is given there is a need for a bail bondsman agent. There are several steps that need to be taken before the hiring of a bondsman. This includes gathering as much information about the person being booked as possible. This includes what the bail has been set at, the location of the jail or police station, the defendant’s full name, and their booking number. After all this information is gathered a bail bondsman can be contacted. This information will help the bail bondsman work more efficiently.

Bail Bondsman Process and Fees

Assigning bail is usually used as an incentive for a defendant who is a high flight risk to stay in town until the assigned court date. Essentially the purpose of a bail bondsman is to facilitate, monetarily, a way for a defendant to post bail. In most cases a bail bondsman is contacted and hired because the total sum of the bail is too high for the defendant or relative, friend, insurance company to post. After contacting and deciding on a bail bondsman there is the bail bondsman’s fees. This involves a down payment made to the bondsman. This fee is usually 10 to 15% of the actual amount of bail. This amount is kept by the bondsman whether or not the defendant appears in court. Another fee, around 10%, is sometimes set by the court but is returned after the trial. This is done as an extra incentive for the defendant to show up. The bail bondsman is essentially promising the court that the defendant will appear in court and agrees to post bond.

Author Bio: If you\’re looking for a bail bond company in Colorado, visit the All Day All Night Bail Bonds website to learn more about the process and how they can help.

Category: Legal
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