in ,

What are bail bonds and how to use them

closeup photo of gavel

In many cases, defendants have the option to get out of jail until their court hearing if they pay a certain amount that is determined by a judge. Bailing someone out of jail or getting bailed out is an intricate process that includes many details. 

The problem arises when a defendant can’t afford their bail. This is when bail bonds come to the rescue. If you are not familiar with this term, here is everything you need to understand about bail bonds and how to use them.

How Does Bailing Work?

Bail is a refundable amount that varies depending on certain factors. For starters, not all defendants have the option to be bailed out of jail. It all depends on the crime, whether or not the court believes that the defendant is a flight risk, and the jurisdiction the bail is set in. Once the defendant shows up for their court date, the bail is refunded. Many defendants choose to be bailed out if they can afford their bail amounts to go on with their lives until their court date, considering that court proceedings might not only last for a few days, but for weeks and months.

architectural photography of trial court interior view

What Are Bail Bonds?

Bail bonds are essentially a kind of surety bonds that depend on a signed three-party contract that is usually provided by a surety company. This contract secures the release of the defendant by a bail bondsman or a bail agent. There are two main kinds of bail bonds: criminal bail bonds and civil bail bonds. The former, as the name suggests, is used in criminal cases to guarantee that the defendant will show up on their due court dates. 

Criminal bail bonds are also used to pay any penalties or fines that might be issued against the defendant. The latter is used in civil cases to guarantee the full payment of debt and any other interests or costs that might be issued against the defendant. Seasoned bail bondsmen from Bail 2 GO Kissimmee clarify that there are different bail agencies available with different pros and cons. The defendant has to weigh their options so they can find the most suitable one for their situation. 

woman in gold dress holding sword figurine

How Do They Work? 

When the judge first sets a certain amount for bailing said defendant, there are three available options. The first is only available if the defendant has the right to pay for the full amount and can afford it. If the defendant can’t afford to bail themself out, they either have the option to ask someone they know and trust for help or seek bail bond from a bail agency. 

In the majority of cases, the defendant can’t afford to put their lives on hold until their court proceedings are over. Without bail agencies, many defendants wouldn’t be able to get out of jail to prepare for their trials or to lead a normal life until their hearings. However, it’s essential for the defendant to weigh their options so that they can find a service they are happy with.