Bail bonds are an important part of the criminal justice system. They provide an alternative to jail for defendants who cannot afford to pay their bond in full. When a defendant is released on bail, they are required to promise to return to court for their trial date. In return for this promise, a bail bondsman may provide the full bail amount in exchange for a fee. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of bail bonds, including how they work, who needs them, and what to expect when using a bail bondsman.
In addition to providing bail money, Denver bail bonds companies may also provide other services to defendants. This includes helping to arrange for the defendant to meet with a lawyer and providing advice about the court process. They may also be able to provide referrals to other professionals who can help the defendant prepare for their court hearing.
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What Is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond is an agreement between a bail bondsman and a defendant that allows the defendant to be released from jail in exchange for a fee. The bail bondsman pays the full bond amount, and the defendant is released on the promise that they will return to court for their trial date. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bond is forfeited and the defendant is subject to arrest.
Who Needs a Bail Bond?
Anyone who is arrested and cannot afford to pay their full bond amount is likely to need a bail bond. Bail bondsmen are typically used by defendants who are considered to be a flight risk, such as those with an extensive criminal record or those who are charged with a serious crime.
How Does a Bail Bond Work?
When a defendant needs a bail bond, they must contact a bail bondsman. The bail bondsman will ask for information about the defendant and the crime they are accused of, as well as the bond amount. The bondsman will then assess the risk and determine whether they will accept the bond. If they accept, the defendant will be required to pay a fee, typically 10% of the bond amount. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the trial.
What to Expect When Using a Bail Bondsman?
When using a bail bondsman, it is important to remember that the fee paid is non-refundable. The bondsman is responsible for ensuring the defendant returns to court for their trial date, so they may perform periodic check-ins with the defendant to ensure they are following the terms of the bond. Additionally, the bondsman may require collateral, such as the title to a car or property, to ensure the bond is paid in full if the defendant fails to appear.
Conclusion
Bail bonds are an important part of the criminal justice system, providing an alternative to jail for defendants who cannot afford to pay their bond in full. Bail bondsmen provide the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable fee, and are typically used by defendants who are considered to be a flight risk. When using a bail bondsman, it is important to remember that the fee is non-refundable and that collateral may be required.