Whether you are facing charges or are helping a friend or family member through the bail process, it is important to understand the different types of bail bonds. The type of bail bond will determine how much money you need to put up and what the conditions of your release are. Here is a brief overview of the four most common types of bail bonds.
Surety Bond:
A surety bond, also known as a bail bond, is when a professional bail bondsman posts bail on your behalf. You will be required to pay a fee (usually 10% of the total bail amount) and sign an agreement that says you will appear for all court dates. If you do not show up for court, the bail bond company will hire a bounty hunter to bring you in and you will forfeit the bond. Learn more about them at bails bond
Cash Bond:
A cash bond is when you or a loved one pays the full bail amount in cash to the court. The money is held until all court appearances are completed and then returned to you, minus any fees or fines.
Property Bond:
A property bond is when you use your home or another piece of property as collateral for the bail amount. You will sign over the deed to the property to the court and if you do not appear for your court dates, you could lose your home.
Criminal Justice Reform Act (CJRA) Bond:
The Criminal Justice Reform Act went into effect in New Jersey in 2017 and it eliminated cash bail for most nonviolent offenses. If you are arrested for a nonviolent offense, you will be given a date to appear in court and released until that date without having to post any money. If you do not appear for your court date, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
Now that you know the different types of bail bonds, you can start working on getting yourself or your loved one out of jail as soon as possible. Contact a professional bail bondsman to get started on posting a surety bond or work on gathering the cash for a cash bond.