7 Things People May Not Know About Bail and Bail Bonds

 Posted on August 31, 2023 in Bail Bonds

When a person is arrested by police, the legal issues they will need to address can seem scary and complicated. One of the key issues will be bail, which allows people to be released from jail during their criminal case. While most people have heard of bail and bail bonds, there are some important aspects of the system that many may not be familiar with. If you have been arrested, a bail agent can provide the help you need.

The Purpose of Bail

Bail serves as a guarantee that a person will appear in court for their scheduled hearings. By requiring them to provide money up-front, the court gives them an incentive to return to court rather than fleeing in hopes that they can avoid being convicted.

The Factors That Determine Bail Amounts

The amount a judge will require a person to pay may depend on factors such as:

• The severity of the alleged crime: More serious crimes typically come with higher bail amounts.

• Past criminal record: People with previous convictions may face higher amounts of bail due to concerns about public safety.

• Ties to the community: Stable work and family ties can affect a judge’s decisions about the amount of bail, since they show that the person is less likely to flee.

How Bail Bonds Work

If a person cannot afford to pay their full bail amount upfront, they may turn to a licensed bond agent, such as those at Doc’s Bail Bonds, who can pay bail on their behalf. Bail agents charge a fee (usually around 10 percent of the total amount set by the judge) in exchange for taking on the risk of paying to have a person released.

Bail Bonds Are Loans

When someone obtains a bail bond, they are basically taking out a loan to cover the amount of bail they are required to pay. This means that if the person fails to appear in court or violates other conditions of bail, the bail bondsman can take action to collect the full bail amount.

Collateral May Be Required

In some cases, our bail bondsmen may hold collateral as security against the loan provided. Collateral can include real estate, vehicle titles, or other valuable assets. This can make sure the cost of bail will be covered in case of non-payment. We can also temporarily hold collateral while a person works to find other methods of payment.

The Role of Co-Signers

Co-signers often assist friends or family members who need bail bonds. A co-signer can help ensure that a person meets all conditions set by the court, including appearing for scheduled hearings. If there is a violation of the conditions of bail, a co-signer may be held liable for any fees that must be paid, including the amount of bail owed or the costs of locating a person who fled.

The Bail Bond Process Can Be Quick

If everything goes smoothly, obtaining a bail bond can be a fairly speedy process. In many cases, Doc’s Bail Bonds can help secure a person’s release within hours after an arrest. We know the jails in Dallas County, Collin County, Denton County, and the surrounding areas, and we can work with police officers and other officials to pay bail quickly so a person can get out of jail.

Contact Our Plano Bail Bond Professionals

If you or your loved one needs help with bail, the team at Doc’s Bail Bonds will work to secure a speedy release. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We know how stressful these situations can be, and we will do everything we can to make it as affordable as possible for you to pay bail. To learn more about how we can assist you, contact our McKinney bail agents at 214-747-4110.