How the Bail Bond Process Works

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Defendants often attend arraignments soon after their arrests. At these hearings, judges outline defendants’ charges and announce whether they are setting bail. The jurisdiction, severity of a defendant’s alleged crimes and the chances that they may become a flight risk may impact a judge’s decision to impose bail in a case. Defendants can benefit from understanding what role bail bonds serve and how to secure them. Here is a guide that explains what happens during the bail bond process.

How Bail Works

Judges impose bail as an assurance that a defendant will return for future court hearings. Defendants may initially only have to post a percentage of the bail to earn their release from jail. However, the full amount may immediately become due if they fail to appear at a future court hearing. 

How Defendants Secure Bail Bonds

It is a defendant’s responsibility to put up bail to secure their release from jail. Defendants often have someone close to them pay the amount owed. Instances may exist in which the bail amount may be too high, causing defendants to sell off their valuable property to cover it. In such instances, defendants often enlist the services of bail bond agents. To find potential candidates, the defendant may want to perform an online search for the phrase “bail bonds Statesville near me.” 

What Working With a Bail Bondsman Is Like

A bail agent’s decision to extend a defendant a surety bond is discretionary. They may base their decision to work with someone on that person’s creditworthiness and the availability of collateral. Bail bondsmen often add their own service fee in addition to the bail set by the judge. This expense can be up to 10% of the bail amount.

Bail agents may ask their clients to put up collateral, such as a home, jewelry or other valuable assets, to ensure the customer abides by their written agreement. This contract includes repaying the loan and going to court.

Incarceration isn’t ideal, which is why knowing what options are available for securing a defendant’s release once a judge sets bail is critical. 

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