Being arrested and charged with a crime is a stressful and life-altering experience. One of the first things a person will have to deal with is posting bail. If you can't afford to post bail, then a bail bond may be able to help. Here's a look at five types of bail bonds available for those in difficult situations.
Cash Bail Bonds
This type of bond requires the full amount of the bail to be paid in cash by the defendant or a third party on their behalf. The entire sum must be given to the court before the defendant can be released from jail. However, if the defendant appears in court as scheduled, the full amount of the bail will be refunded. If they fail to show up, the bail will be forfeited, and the defendant will be re-arrested.
Surety Bonds
With a surety bond, the bail bondsman assumes responsibility for paying the entire bail amount in the event that the defendant fails to make a court appearance. The defendant, their family, or their friends must pay a non-refundable portion of the bail to the bail bondsman. The bail bondsman might also need some form of collateral to ensure the defendant shows up for all their court appearances.
Property Bonds
If a defendant does not have the financial capacity to pay cash or post collateral for a bail bond, a property bond may be an option. In this type of bond, the defendant or their family or friends can use real estate as collateral. A property bond can be risky because if the defendant fails to appear in court, the court can foreclose on the property used as collateral.
Citation Release (Cite-Out)
A citation release is a type of bail bond used for minor offenses such as traffic violations. When a defendant is issued a citation, they can be released from custody without having to pay bail. The defendant signs a promise to appear in court on a certain date and time, and if they fail to appear, a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
Immigration Bail Bonds
Immigration bail bonds are used for individuals who are in custody for immigration violations. These bonds are similar to surety bonds, but they can only be posted by a bail bondsman who is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to do so.
Being arrested and charged with a crime can be a traumatic experience, but understanding the different types of bail bonds can ease some of the stress associated with the process. Whether it's paying cash, posting collateral, or using a bail bondsman, there are several options to help a defendant secure their release from jail. If you or a loved one find yourself in this situation, consult a qualified bail bondsman to determine the best course of action.
For more information on bail bonds, contact a professional near you.
Share11 January 2024
Although I am far from perfect, I have focused on abiding by the local laws for the vast majority of my life. Unfortunately, about five years ago, I realized that I was being accused of a crime that I didn't commit. I thought about letting the trial run its course, but then I realized that fighting would be important to ensure my future. I teamed up with a great lawyer, and things became much easier overnight. My legal counsel told me what to do and what to avoid, and he was able to prove the facts in a court of law. This blog is all about choosing to fight charges.