5 Must-Know Facts About Bail Bonds
When an individual is released from jail on a bond, they must meet specific requirements before they can leave. These may include attending court or completing a drug or alcohol program. Understanding the process of bail bonds is essential to be more prepared for any situation.
Pay back the bond
Bail bonds Lancaster County, PA are similar to personal loans. A bail bondsman or agent puts a small percentage down on the bond, and you repay them if you make it out of jail. A bond is a document issued by the court that guarantees that a defendant will appear for future hearings or must pay a designated amount (usually 10% of the bail) if they do not. This can be done as a cash bond, a property bond, or a surety bond. The best way to know if you should use a bail bond is to speak with a lawyer with experience in your local courts. They can answer your questions and recommend a reputable company to work with.
Secured
When you or a loved one is arrested, a bail bond is an option to get out of jail without paying the total amount. However, knowing that these bonds are unsecured and do not provide security is essential. In secured bail, a defendant bears the court a designated amount of money or posts security in their bond amount. This security can be cash or property. A secured bond can be a good choice when someone has a valuable asset, such as a home. It also ensures that a person will appear in court, raising their chances of getting out of jail.
Collateral
When arrested, they are usually required to attend an initial court hearing called arraignment within 24 to 48 hours. There, they learn about their rights and the charges against them. In exchange, they will pay a non-refundable fee to a bail bond agent, helping them secure their freedom. The court may allow them to post bail when they meet the requirements. Bail bond collateral is any asset the company can sell if the defendant does not attend court or violates their bail conditions. Real estate is the most common type of collateral. This includes property owned by the defendant or their family members, land, and buildings. The property must be in good condition and must have value.
Way to get out of jail
Bail is a way for courts to release people until their court date. It generally involves paying cash or a piece of property that has value to the court in exchange for their promise to show up on time for the court dates. If the defendant does not appear for their designated court dates, the bail is forfeited, and they are returned to jail. This can be a serious issue because it can mean missing out on money or even losing their job and putting their family in danger.
Avoid jail
Bail is a way for courts to ensure that people return to court when told to. They do this by setting a bail amount and requiring someone to pay it or promise to pay it if the defendant fails to appear. If the defendant does not appear, the court can keep their bail or issue an arrest warrant. This means they will be jailed until their trial. However, there is a solution to this problem – bail bonds. They are a way for friends and family to provide the necessary security to keep their loved ones out of jail until they appear in court.