When you or a loved one are accused of a crime and sent to jail, the first thing you want to do is get out. Unfortunately, unless you have the money to pay your bail in full, that can be difficult. That’s where bail bonds come in. Bail bonds are a type of insurance that allows you to pay a fraction of your bail amount to a bonding company who will then post the rest of the bail for you. Keep reading to learn how bail bonds work and why you need them. Browse this site listing about bails bond near me
How Bail Bonds Work
When you are arrested and taken to jail, a judge sets a bail amount based on the severity of your crime, your flight risk, and your criminal history. For example, if you are accused of a nonviolent crime and have no history of skipping bail, the judge may set your bail at $5,000. If you are considered a flight risk or have been charged with a more serious crime, your bail could be set at $50,000 or more.
Unless you have the money to pay your bail in full, which most people don’t, you will need to get a bail bond. To get a bail bond, you must go through a licensed bail agent who will charge you a fee, typically 10% of the total bail amount. So if your bail is set at $5,000, you will pay the bail agent $500 for the bond. The bail agent then pays the court the full amount of your bail.
Once you have posted bond, you are free to leave jail until your court date. It’s important to note that if you skip bail or fail to appear in court, not only do you forfeit the money that was paid for your bond, but an arrest warrant will also be issued for you.
Why You Need Bail Bonds
If you don’t have enough money to post bail on your own, getting a bail bond is often your best option. Not only does it allow you to get out of jail while awaiting trial, but it also gives you more time to prepare your defense with your attorney.
Posting bond also shows the court that you are taking your case seriously and that you are not a flight risk. This can work in your favor when it comes time for sentencing if you are found guilty.
No one wants to think about going to jail but unfortunately, it’s something that happens every day. If it happens to you or someone you love, don’t despair – there is a way out. Bail bonds can help get you released from jail until your court date so that you can continue on with your life while awaiting trial.