Most modern Americans have likely at least heard the term “bail bond” being thrown around in conversation or on the news, but those who have never had the misfortune of being accused of a crime themselves often don’t know what it really means. This article is intended as a brief introduction to here and how they work.
What is Bail?
When someone is arrested and accused of committing a crime, one of three things will happen. Detainees can be released on their own recognizance, the judge can set bail, or bail can be denied. Setting bail offers the court an assurance that the defendant will come back to court, as failing to do so will result in the forfeiture of any money posted by the defendant or a family member.
Unfortunately, it is very common for bail to be set quite high even for minor offenses. This sometimes leaves defendants languishing in jail due to an inability to post bail by themselves. Thankfully, Bail Bonds in Grapevine TX provide a better solution.
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
Bail bonds are a kind of surety bond. They are provided by a ok upon receipt of a down payment and collateral. Friends and relatives can help cover the fee or the collateral of the detainee doesn’t have the money or assets to do so.
Once the defendant appears in court, the bail bond will be dissolved. Although the collateral will be returned to the defendant or whoever posted bail on the defendant’s behalf, the bondsman will keep the 10% cash fee. Should the defendant fail to show up in court, the bail bond will be forfeited and the bondsman will use the collateral posted by the defendant to pay the court.
How to Get a Bail Bond
Those who have enough cash to post bail themselves may not need a bondsman, but the vast majority of modern Americans don’t have that kind of money just hanging around. Instead, they’ll have to look into bail bonding services.
Defendants or family members of defendants who choose to go this route should make sure that they check the bondsman’s license prior to signing on the dotted line to make sure that the business is legitimate. They should also make sure that the defendant fully understands the potential repercussions of skipping bail.
