Keep Bailing

Having to find a bail bondsman for the assistance of having to bail someone out of jail is not likely to be an every day occurrence for most people.  Some may find it very intimidating and confusing since it is something they have never had to do.  In addition, they do not know what is required of them, except many tend to think that they will automatically need collateral.  This is not always the case; in this edition of Bail Bonds: Fact or Fiction, we address bail bonds and collateral.

Fact or Fiction:  All Bail Bonds Require Collateral

Fiction: Although some bail bonds companies will require you post something of value (known collateral) to ensure the defendant will appear in court or for a payment plan, other bondsmen provide no collateral bail bonds, which clearly means collateral will not be required. Usually, the need for collateral is based on Read more »

Bail Bonds Demystified

If your friend or family member is arrested, they could be stuck in jail for days, even weeks.  Posting bail is a fast, easy way to get them released until they must return to court.

You may already know that a bail bondsman is the person who goes to the jail to secure that release with a bond.  But do you actually know what a bail bond is and how it works?

A Bail Bond Is…

A bail bond is a paper document, much like a bank check, that is recognized by our courts.  People should not write checks unless they have provided enough money in their bank account to cover them.  A bail bondsman also makes a monetary promise that says: I guarantee the defendant will appear in court whenever a judge requires, on a specific date and time, or I will cover the entire amount of his bail.

Responsibilities When Co-Signing

But this promise is too risky for a bail bondsman to make alone, so they only post bonds after a defendant, friend or family member contacts the bondsman and agrees to become the bond’s co-signer, or “Indemnitor.”   By signing a bail bond contract, Indemnitors also guarantee to help find the defendant if court is missed or pay the full amount of the bail, if the individual cannot be found.

An Indemnitor has to be in a position to offer a bail bondsman something in return if the defendant misses court.  The bondsman considers the character of his co-signer up, making a calculated judgment call based on his experience.  He often asks potential Indemnitors if they have a job and for how long.  Do they have good credit? Are they homeowners? Etc. Etc.  The questions a bondsman asks help him determine whether or not they are the kind of stable, trustworthy people he is willing to write a bond for.  In addition, an Indemnitor’s involvement encourages the defendant to remain committed to his part of the bargain.  Let’s face it, who wants to stiff someone they care about, that helped get them out of jail?

Bondsman Responsibilities

The minute a defendant is released, the jail no longer has authority over him.  He is now considered to be the property Read more »