Whether you've committed a crime or not, you can end up in jail.You can await trial out on bail if you are not in and out in a hurry.When you get out of jail, you pay a certain amount of money to the court to make sure you show up for future court appearances.Private and public bail bonds include signature bonds, as well as property bonds.
Step 1: Know what a private bond is.
If you miss a court date, the court will keep the bail amount and issue an arrest warrant.Each case has a bail amount set by the judge based on crime severity, criminal history and flight risk.The amount is returned after the trial if the accused is found guilty or not.Private bonds are loans taken from companies that will pay bail, but keep a percentage of the amount as payment.
Step 2: You should be aware of the criticisms of private bonds.
Some people think that having a private company oversee the ability to pay bond is unfair to people who don't have a lot of money.A private bondsman can only take cases with high bail amounts if they want to get more money for their efforts.This doesn't help someone with a low income who is still unpayable on limited means.
Step 3: In your state, make sure private bonds are available.
Some states have banned private bonds because of the criticisms.Public bonds will be provided by the courts in these states.You can't get a private bond if you live in Oregon, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Nebraska, Washington DC, or Wisconsin.
Step 4: The bondsman will need information.
Before you talk to a private bond company, make sure you have all the information they need.The full name of the person being held, the charges against them, and the bail amount are included.
Step 5: You can contact a private bond company.
If private bonds are legal in your state, there will be many.Bond companies are licensed and regulated by the state, so bond fees and rates shouldn't be exploitative.You can compare bondsmen rates by calling around.Most bond companies are open seven days a week.Don't wait until the morning to call a bondsman.
Step 6: It is acceptable to offer an acceptable form of collateral.
The court will have to give the entire amount of the bail if the accused misses any court dates.If they don't get the bail amount back from the court, bondsmen will keep the surety that you put up.Valuables include real estate, cars, credit cards, stocks and bonds, jewelry, personal credit, and bank accounts.
Step 7: The bondsman is going to post bail.
At that time, you will fill out the necessary paperwork to enter into an agreement with the bond company.The person in jail will be released after the bondsman posts bail.If you don't live in the same city as the jail where the person is being held, ask if you can complete the paperwork over the phone or online.
Step 8: All court dates should be made by the accused.
Don't be afraid to keep an eye on the person you've posted bail for.If he or she misses any court dates or fails to meet the terms of the bondsman, you will lose your surety.
Step 9: Find out if you are a good candidate for a signature bond.
If you can get a signature bond, you only have to pay the bail amount if the person fails to appear in court.Your signature is your promise to the court.You have to pay 10% of the bail amount with your signature in some states.The court has the power to grant a signature bond.The criminal history of the accused is taken into account.If there's no criminal history or a past of only minor crimes, you have a better chance of getting a signature bond.If the accused has always met court dates, it helps.The court looks at how likely the person is to run away.Stable employment, a long history of residence in the area, and strong community ties will help.
Step 10: The attorney can request a signature bond.
A lawyer will be able to make an argument in favor of a signature bond if they are familiar with the process.People with trustworthy lawyers are more likely to have signature bonds.
Step 11: If you don't have an attorney, you can request the signature bond yourself.
You can ask the court for a signature bond if you don't have a lawyer.It is possible to find friends or relatives of the accused to co-sign with you.The person in jail might be persuaded by this to make his or her court dates.If the accused skips a court date or fails to meet the court's conditions, the friends or relatives will have to pay the bail amount.Everyone has a right to a public defender if they can't afford one.A signature bond can be requested by the public defender.
Step 12: As a public bond, pay the whole bail amount.
You can pay the amount yourself if you can cover the entire amount of bail.Go to the jail where the person is being held with a check, cashier's check or money order.There is a fee you may have to pay.The person in jail will be free to leave once they process your payment.The court will return the money at the end of the trial if the accused makes all court dates.You will lose the entire amount you paid for the release if he or she misses a court appearance.The state will use the money to pay for other things.
Step 13: Understand what a bond is.
This type of bond allows you to sign over the deed to a property in exchange for someone's release from jail.If the person doesn't show up for court, the property is held as insurance.This option is only available to people who own a home.You should be aware that not all states offer property bonds.Property bonds can be offered by federal courts in all states.
Step 14: You should gather your materials.
The court will ask for a number of documents when you request a property bond.A statement from the mortgage company showing how much is still owed should be on top of the deed to the property.The appraised value of the property will be subtracted from the amount still owed by the court.If more than one person is on the deed, they must be present in court to sign the bond.
Step 15: A property bond can be requested from the court.
To find out who you should speak to about assessing the value of your property, contact the court.If the court's officer denies your request, the accused person will have to stay in jail.