If you or someone you know has been arrested, understanding how bail bonds work can make a big difference in the outcome of the situation. Bail bonds can help you or your loved one secure release from jail until the trial date. In this blog post, we will provide you with an overview of how bail bonds work and what you need to know before seeking the services of a bail bond agency.
To begin, bail is a sum of money that the court requires a defendant to pay as a guarantee that they will appear in court for their trial. However, not everyone can afford to pay this sum. This is where a bail bond agency comes in. A bail bond agency pays the bail amount on behalf of the defendant and in return, charges a non-refundable fee, typically around 10% of the bail amount.
Once the bail bond is posted, the defendant is released from jail on the condition that they will appear in court on their scheduled trial date. If the defendant fails to show up for their court date, the bail bond agency is responsible for paying the full bail amount to the court. This can lead to the agency hiring a bounty hunter to locate the defendant and bring them back to court.
If the defendant appears in court as scheduled and is found not guilty or is given a light sentence, the bail bond is exonerated and the agency’s liability ends. However, if the defendant is found guilty and is given a heavy sentence, then the bail bond agency may suffer a loss.
It is important to note that bail bonds can only be posted for certain types of crimes. The more serious the crime, the less likely it is that a bail bond will be granted. Additionally, certain factors may be considered in determining the amount of bail, such as the defendant’s criminal history, the severity of the crime, and whether the defendant is a flight risk.
In summary, bail bonds provide a way for those who cannot afford bail to be released from jail until their trial date. Bail bond agencies can help by paying the bail amount on behalf of the defendant. However, it is important to understand that bail bonds are not available for all types of crimes and the amount of bail can vary depending on several factors. If you need bail bonds in Orlando, FL, contact Mike Snapp Bail Bonds for more information and to learn how we can assist you during the bail bond process.
