How Do You Process a Bail Bond?

When a defendant applies for a bail bond, they enter into a separate contract with a bondsman. A bail bond allows a defendant to pay the jail to be released until their court appearance. In exchange for the bail bonds Harrisburg, PA, the defendant promises to appear at all scheduled court appearances during specific dates and to abide by all other conditions set forth by the court. These may include mandatory check-in procedures, electronic monitoring, and travel restrictions. If the defendant fails to adhere to these conditions, the bondsman forfeits the entire bond value.

Unsecured Bond Vs. Cash Bond

When processing a bail, it is important to understand the differences between an unsecured bond and a cash one. An unsecured bond requires the accused to pay a large sum of cash at short notice. This amount can be difficult for the accused to pay, leaving them stuck in jail until their trial. In addition, some unsecured bonds can have strict conditions, such as liquidating assets.

As the Comptroller’s Office pointed out, the practice of requiring a cash bond is not appropriate for everyone, particularly those who can’t afford it. However, unsecured bonds are cheaper for taxpayers and can help those who cannot afford a high bail amount. However, because unsecured bonds are cheaper, people can easily skip town and not show up to court, and the judges will be more lenient when considering unsecured bonds.

Conditions of Release 

To get released from jail, suspects must meet certain conditions known as “conditions of release.” If they fail to follow these conditions, they may be arrested again, returned to jail, or thrown in jail altogether. The conditions may be general, such as not drinking alcohol, not communicating with certain individuals, or not driving. Another condition that is often required is the payment of bail. There are several ways to pay bail, including with your money or using a bail bond company.

For example, suppose you were arrested for DUI. In that case, your judge may require you to install an ignition interlock device or participate in “continuous alcohol monitoring” for a certain period. If you were arrested for assault, you might have to stay away from the victim for a specified period. These conditions are entirely reasonable, as long as they do not violate your rights. It is a major concern for defendants.

Fees for the Bail Bondsman

Before hiring a bail bond agent, you should be clear about their fees. Most bondsmen charge a percentage of the total bail amount, and this percentage can range anywhere from 5% to 20%. Fees are generally non-refundable, but there are some exceptions. For example, the fees may also include travel expenses or administrative costs. Some agents may also require collateral, which means they will have to take a risk if you fail to appear in court on the scheduled date. In addition, you should consider whether there is an application fee or an initiation fee.

If the person you want to bail out is a criminal, you can also pay the bail bondsman through credit. Credit card processing fees can range from three to five percent. Be sure to ask their prices before paying a large amount with credit. You should also check whether the bondsman charges a fee for processing payments. If a bondman charges a fee for processing credit card payments, ask if he waives the fee for your situation.

Alternatives to Bail Bonds

Bail bonds are a common way to release an accused person from jail. These bonds allow the accused to post money before their court date in return for their release. Once the money is paid, the court releases the accused, but they keep an administrative fee of $40. In addition, the court has the right to inspect the amount of money posted as bail. They can hold the money for up to a week, so you should consider an alternative if you’re not comfortable with paying the full amount of bail.