Bail is the amount set by the court to be paid in order to release a defendant instead of holding them in incarceration (in jail).

The bail is typically set by the judge or magistrate.

A bail bond is the document that is presented by a bail bond agency to the court to secure the release of a defendant who is in custody, and to ensure the appearance of the defendant at all required court hearings.

Full name and booking number of the person in custody. The name of jail where the incarcerated person is being held, as well as its city and state. The amount of bail needed to be posted.

Typically, a bail amount is set by court following the arrest of a defendant. Either the defendant, a family member or a close friend will contact a bail agent to arrange for the posting of the bail bond. The person posting the bail bond is guaranteeing the bond, and will complete paperwork and pay the premium, which is a percentage of the bond amount. By signing the paperwork, the person is guaranteeing that he or she will pay the full amount of the bond if the defendant fails to appear in court. Typically, collateral is taken from the person posting the bond to secure the guarantee.

If you post bail for someone you’re responsible for paying any associated fees to initiate the bail paperwork. You also take responsibility for the defendant’s whereabouts while they are released on bail. You must ensure they make it to all of their court dates if you do not want to have to pay the complete bail amount.

Sometimes, it depends on scenario. If needed the collateral may be something of value in the forms of:  cash, jewelry, property, etc.

Yes. In most cases, the collateral is returned upon discharge or exoneration of the bail bond.

We accept cash, credit card or debit card for payment.

Our office processes each bond promptly upon the receipt of necessary information and payment. We then notify the jail where the defendant is being held that bail has been posted. Actual defendant release varies depending on the place of incarceration and their release procedure processing.

If a defendant fails to appear in court, the court issues a bench warrant for that person’s arrest and they are considered a fugitive. Generally, the bail agency is authorized by the court to arrest the individual.