When arrested, they can be released from jail if they pay the court a set amount of money, known as bail. It allows them to return to everyday life and prepare for their case with a clear head.
However, this can be a complicated process for many defendants. For this reason, they may want to contact a bail bond agent. They will ask for a percentage of the bond amount as a fee and will secure the rest with collateral, such as property or other valuables.
What is a Bail Bond?
A Bail Bond is a means by which a defendant can secure their release before their court date. It allows them to continue their regular life, work and attend to their family while awaiting their trial date.
A bail bondsman posts a bond on the defendant’s behalf and charges them a fee in return for their services. The payment can range from 10% – 20% of the total bond amount, but it is legal for a judge to lower it if they feel the fee is too high.
This fee is forfeited if the defendant doesn’t show up in court. It can be challenging to clear up, but if the defendant cooperates with their bail agent and co-signor, this will be resolved relatively quickly.
How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?
It might be stressful enough for you or a loved one to be arrested without worrying about money. Knowing the price of bail bonds in Scranton, PA, is crucial so you can choose wisely when the time comes.
A bail bond is a surety bond that guarantees the defendant will show up to court as per the terms of the agreement they signed with the bail agent. It means showing up on all their court dates and not violating any laws or Orders of Protection.
The bail bond cost is typically 10% of the total bail amount ordered by the courts. It is known as the premium and is non-refundable.
How Does a Bail Bond Work?
People must be released from jail as quickly as possible when arrested. That is why they often contact a bail bond agency.
The bondsman will post the bail for you, and you will pay them a fee (usually 10%) to get your loved one out of jail. They will meet you at the jail to post your bond, and they may also ask for some collateral to be put up in case you fail to show up for court.
Collateral is usually a deed to the property, such as a car or house, that the bondsman can use to guarantee your release. It can help you avoid missing court and keep your loved one out of jail until they are ready for trial.
When Do I Need a Bail Bond?
It would be best to have a bail bond when you have been arrested and are facing charges of a crime. A judge will set bail based on several factors, including the seriousness of the crime, your likelihood of returning to court for the offense, and other relevant details.
The bail amount will also depend on your ability to pay it. You can ask for a bail reduction if you cannot afford to pay the total amount.
If you get a bail reduction, you must ensure you can meet all the conditions of the bail agreement. These include attending all your court appearances and making all the necessary payments to the bail bond agency and the court.
Alternatively, you can use collateral, such as real estate property, to secure your bail bond. However, this may only sometimes be possible and will depend on the property’s value.
