Find Answers to Important Bail Bond Questions

A bail hearing is scheduled within 72 business hours of an arrest to assess if the defendant will be allowed to post bail and at what amount bail should be set. At this time, the defendant’s flight risk is evaluated based on a number of factors, including his or her employment status, financial resources, and reputation within the community.

Bail can be met by paying the full bail amount. More commonly, defendants choose to satisfy bail requirements by acquiring a bail bond through a licensed bondsman, also known as a bail bond agent.

A bail bond is a contractual agreement between the defendant and his or her bail bond agent that ensures the court will receive a payment for the full bail amount in the event that the defendant does not appear for scheduled court hearings.

Bail bonds are usually issued within 24 hours of a defendant contacting a bail bond agent.

The cost of a bail bond is determined by the state in which charges are taking place. Most states charge 10% of the entire bail amount. Bail bonds are non-refundable as they pay bail bond agents for their services.

Some bail bond agents offer payment plans if a defendant cannot afford a bail bond. The defendant may also try to be released on their own recognizance, remain in jail until their court hearing, or use collateral to satisfy the bail bond.

Houses and vehicles are common collateral for large bail bonds. For less expensive bail bonds, collateral can include jewelry, antiques, savings, and other valuable possessions.

If a defendant fails to appear in court, the full bail amount is forfeited, and the defendant will be charged for costs associated with his or her recovery.

The bail bond ends when the defendant fulfills his or her obligation to appear in court, regardless of the hearing outcome.