Once you are arrested for criminal charges, you will have to stay behind the bars until the time of appearing before a court of law. Whether guilty or not, jail experience can be devastating. This is where bail bonds come in to redeem the situation.
A defendant can apply for a bail to secure a temporal release until the trial time. Depending on your case, a judge may decide to issue or deny a bail application. If you successfully get bail, the judge will then decide on the level of your bail. You must abide by the bail terms else it may be forfeited.
How bail is set
It’s the legal responsibility of a jury to set bail. Since most people want an instant release out of detention, there are specific standard bail schedules to cater for common offenses. An offender can secure an immediate release once they pay the required amount of pail.
If a defendant is unable to afford the set bail, then there are two options to choose. First, the defendant can use a bail bond agent who will act as a surety for the bail. A good example of such a company is the Acme Bail. Secondly, the defendant can ask the jury to lower the amount upon which a special hearing will either consider or deny the request.
Conditions of Bail
A defendant is required by a court of law to comply with specific terms of release. Failure to conform to these conditions may attract a warrant of arrest or revoking the bail. Example of bail conditions include:
-Observing all state laws
-Not to possess any firearms
-Avoiding any use of drugs
-Not to contact the complainant
How to pay a bail
Bail can be paid in many forms including:
Release on personal recognizance
A bond
Security in the form of a property
Cash or check
The Bail Bondsman
If you choose to pay a bail through a bond, then you must contact a bail bond agent. The role of the bondsman is to act as a surety for your bail. The agency pledges to cater for your bail in case you fail to appear before a court of law. As a defendant, you will pay a premium to the agent in exchange for their surety. In most cases, the premium payment sums 10% of the bail bond.
Role of the bail bond agent
Once a defendant secures a bail bond, the bond agent takes charge of ensuring the offenders abides by the bail conditions. If a defendant violates any of the conditions or fails to appear in court, then the bonds agent is held responsible for the same. This explains why a bail agent may be forced to hire a bounty hunter to track the defendant.
Get Help
Count on Acme Bail when you need help with bail bonds. Give us a call today and we will be at your service.