Planning for a Bright, Financial Future

Many people who are arraigned to appear in court need bail bonds, but often aren't familiar with them or how they work. If you, a family member, or a friend ever need a bail bond, here's how they work.

What Are Bail Bonds?

Bail bonds are a financial guarantee that an accused person will appear in court for their scheduled hearings. When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, they have the option to post bail in order to be released from custody while they await their trial. If the accused is unable to pay the full amount of bail, they can seek the assistance of a bail bond company.

Who Needs Bail Bonds? 

Bail bonds can be a useful tool for individuals who are unable to pay the full amount of bail but want to be released from custody while they await their court hearing. 

However, it's important to understand that using a bail bond carries certain risks and responsibilities. If the accused fails to appear in court as scheduled, they may be subject to additional criminal charges, and the bail bond company may have to pay the full bail amount.

As long as the individual appears as scheduled in court, the bond will be released and have been highly useful. For many people, it's the only way to avoid bail -- and not wait in jail or prison until their court date.

Who Offers Bail Bonds?

In order to obtain a bail bond, the accused or a representative must contact a bail bond company and provide them with information about the arrest and the charges. The bail bond company will then assess the risk involved in posting a bond for the accused, and determine what bond the bondsman will offer.

How Much Are Bail Bonds?

Bail bond costs vary depending on the amount of bail needed, and the perceived risk that the individual skips town. Most bail bonds are 10% of the amount that's to be posted. Sometimes the fee is as low as 5%, or as much as 20%.

Once the bail bond fee has been paid, the bail bond company will post the bond with the court, and the accused will be released from custody. It is important to note that the bail bond fee is non-refundable, even if the accused is later found not guilty or the charges against them are dropped.