When you are suspected of committing a crime and arrested, you will be taken to jail to await your court date. You can be released early from jail, but it requires paying bail. Bail is money that you give the court as collateral to help ensure that you'll return for your court date, and you will lose the money if you decide to not show up. If you do not have the cash to pay for bail on your own, you can have a bail bondsman pay the bail for you in exchange for a small fee. Here are some common questions about the process.
How Much Will A Bail Bond Cost?
Each state has its own laws that determine how much of a premium a bail bond will cost. For example, Colorado has a maximum premium of 10% of the amount of bail. There may be minimum premium amounts for those that have a small bail that needs to be paid.
How Does A Bail Bondsman Ensure You Will Return For Your Court Date?
The need for collateral is usually determined by answering questions and performing a background check. They will take into consideration how long you have lived at your current address, your employment status, your credit rating, the crime that you are being accused of, and even a judgment of your overall character. If you pass the bail bondsman's requirements, which are at their own discretion, you may not need to provide collateral.
If a bondsman does require collateral, it could include any of the following items.
- Bank accounts
- Jewelry
- Bonds
- Stocks
- Cars
- Real estate
Your collateral will be returned once all aspects of your case are closed.
Will Collateral Be Returned If Given Probation?
If you are given probation due to your crime, you will be released from custody. At that point, your bail bond will be exonerated and collateral returned to you. The bail bond is not tied to you completing your probation sentence.
Do You Have To Use A Bail Bondsman?
While using a bail bondsman is not required, it is the only way to ensure that the entire bail amount is returned. Keep in mind that any court fees that you owe could be taken out of your bail amount if you do pay cash, meaning you will have to pay those fees immediately instead of at a later date.
For more information on bail bonds, contact a bondsman in your area.
