Bail Bonds - How Do They Work

In the event that you have been arrested making bail is probably your top priority. If you do not have the cash on hand to post then you can be facing sitting in a jail cell for weeks or months just to wait for your various court dates. Bail bonds can have you out of jail and home sleeping in your own bed, working at your own job, and better able to assist your attorney in your defense.

If you’ve ever faced an arrest you’re probably wondering what you can do to avoid sitting in that jail cell until your court date. Let’s face it justice isn’t exactly swift. Thankfully there is a way, in most cases, for you to avoid the hassles of sitting locked up for months or weeks at a time. In most instances, unless you're crime or your history will be prevented, you can pay the court a set amount of money to be allowed to walk free until your court appearance. Bail bonds do just that.

But how do bail bonds work? Well, it is very simple. If you have been arrested for a crime that does not mean you're necessarily guilty. Since the wheels of justice do not turn as quickly as one would like once you are booked you generally can go in front of the judge for hearing to determine whether or not you have to stay in jail or you can walk free until your court date. This initial visit with the judge will have no evidence presented it will be a simple matter of money. Some instances you will be allowed to walk free or released on an own recognizance decision. Most of the time some form of monetary amount will be set that you will have to pay in order to be able to sleep in your own bed. That amount is called bail.

Bail bonds are when you don't have the amount of money necessary to be able to leave jail available. While some courts will take property in exchange for your freedom sometimes it is very specific to cash or bond. In these instances if you do not have the money available you can see an agent. The agent will post the money for you and will assure the court that you will make all of your scheduled appearances. This is a contractual agreement between you and the agent and the agent and the court. The agent will most likely require a payment up front of 10 to 15% of the amount of the agreement. Quite often these agents will accept property as collateral in the event that no money is available.

If you have posted a bail bond the agent then has the right to force you back in the court should you miss your date. By missing your date you have failed to appear and quite often a warrant will be issued for your arrest by the courts. Each state varies on how much force the agent can use in order to return you to the courts.

A bail bond is often the only way many can leave jail and get back to work in order to maintain a normal life. If you are arrested for any reason this might be the only option for you. Because of the nature of their business often times these agents get bad names, but finding a reputable agent to work with can help you secure your freedom.

Article Tags: Bail Bonds

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR