UPDATE: Five Things You Should Know About Surety Bonds in the State of Texas

Originally published: February 9, 2017 -- Updated: June 20, 2023

Update: Below, you can learn some important facts about bail and the bail bond process. However, it can also be helpful to understand what surety bonds are exactly and what role they play for people who have been arrested. This can ensure that people who need to be released from custody and family members who provide financial assistance to loved ones who have been arrested will be prepared to handle these issues correctly.

A surety bond may be used in any situation where one party guarantees that another party's debts will be paid. Surety bonds may be used in a variety of ways. For example, in business contracts where one party wants a guarantee that the other party will pay the amounts owed, a third party may provide that guarantee through a surety bond. If the surety company is required to make payments on behalf of a party that owed a debt, they may then collect the amount paid from that party.

Bail bonds are a type of surety bond that may be used in criminal cases. After a person is arrested, a bail bondsman may pay bail on their behalf, providing the guarantee that the person will appear in court as required during their case while also following any other conditions that may apply. The bail bondsman will protect that guarantee by making sure the person meets all requirements during their case. If a person does not appear in court as required, the bail bondsman may track them down, take them into custody, and deliver them to the authorities. In these cases, any collateral that was put down to secure a bail bond may be forfeited.

Contact Our Collin County Bail Agents

Issues related to bail and bail bonds can be complicated, but at Doc's Bail Bonds, we do everything we can to make the bail process as quick and simple as possible. We can answer any questions you may have about bail, the payment methods available, the types of collateral that may be used, and the conditions that will apply after a person is released from jail. We can also make sure all requirements are met during a case so that a person can avoid any penalties related to the violations of bail conditions. Contact our Plano bail bond professionals 24/7 at 214-747-4110 to learn how we can help you or your loved one get out of jail fast.

Do you have a loved one in jail and aren't sure what type of bail bond to choose? We understand that this can be an overwhelming and confusing time, so we want to help make it easier for you. If you are cosigning a bond so your loved one can get out of jail, there are few things you many want to know about surety bonds. Here are five things you need to know about Surety bonds in the State of Texas.

What Is A Bail Bond?

A surety bond is a type of bail bond and is often a more popular option when it comes to bail bonds. Because a cash bond may be very costly, many people turn to a surety bond if the total bail amount is too high to afford. There are three parties involved in a surety bond – the defendant, the arresting agency, and the bail bondsman.

Why Choose A Bail Bond Instead of Paying Cash?

If your loved one is in jail and you want to help them with their release, but you don't have the full amount of cash for the bond, you may need a surety bond. With a surety bond, you can pay the premium (generally around 10 percent of the bail) and get your loved one out of jail. Hiring a bail bondsmen is an advantage, as you won't have to worry about your money being used toward the defendant's court fees, fines, etc.

How Does It Work?

The family or friend of the defendant will pay a premium upfront, which is usually about 10 percent of the total bail amount and is non-refundable. Then the bondsman or surety insurance company will cover the rest of the bail. To ensure that the rest of the amount is covered, the co-signer may sign a contract where property is used as collateral.

What Are The Risks Involved?

The main risk is if the defendant skips bail. This is when the bondman can get a bounty hunter involved to bring the defendant back to the arresting agent. If the bondsman thinks that the defendant may skip bail or the total amount is high, they may have the cosigner secure the surety with their property, usually their home if they own a house. Be sure to note that surety bonds are only backed by property, not actually secured by property.

What Are The Advantages?

Even though there is a risk of the defendant skipping bail, most of the time they won't if they feel obligated to their friend or family member who cosigned their bail. If you, the cosigner, pays the premium for their bail and has collateral on the line, such as your house, your loved one will most likely feel compelled to show up in court.

In the end, this type of bond is popular and is a good option if you don't have the funds for paying the full bail amount, and you trust that your loved one will not skip bail. Because every contract is different for each bail company, the best thing to do is speak with a bail bondsman.

We hope that we have made it easier to understand the advantages and risks of surety bonds. As always, we would be more than happy to answer your questions and help you find the best solution for you and your loved one.