After being arrested, defendants may have the right to a bail hearing. During a bail hearing, the judge sets a bail amount based on the offense and the risk of the defendant fleeing. While the law typically prevents judges from setting unreasonably high bonds, bail bonds can be helpful for those who can’t afford to bail themselves out alone. Here is more information about bail bonds and how they work:
What Is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond is an agreement between the defendant, the court, and the bail bond agency. It allows the arrested person to be released from custody until their hearing. If you or your loved one has been charged with a bailable offense, understanding how bail bonds work may help you get the defendant released.
Do I Have Rights to a Bail Bond?
Defendants are generally considered innocent until proven guilty, meaning that the arrested individual may be released while awaiting trial. Depending on the location, the law may provide arrested persons the right to a bail hearing. If the defendant meets the state's set requirements, they can be released from prison upon proper payment of the set bond amount. It is also possible for defendants to be denied bail if there are convincing reasons to keep them in custody. These reasons could include being suspected of a serious or dangerous crime or being a likely flight risk.
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
When given the opportunity to be released on bail, defendants who cannot secure their release on their own can capitalize on bail bonds. With surety bonds, the bail bond agency pays the bail amount on behalf of the defendant. The bail bond agency also assures the court that the bailed-out person will appear for trial. Providers may charge a non-refundable fee of around 10% of the total bail amount.
Surety bonds set the defendant free, awaiting their trial. This can make it easier and more practical for the defendant to prepare for their trial. While out on bail, the defendant should appear for their hearing and obey other regulations included in the bail agreement.
Are There Bail Conditions?
Defendants who are bailed out may be subject to various conditions of release. One condition that applies to all cases is that the defendant must appear at all court hearings and trials. Other conditions may be set depending on the crime the defendant has been charged with. While on bail, defendants may be required to keep their jobs, comply with curfew requirements, travel within preset geographical limits, and submit to substance abuse testing. Those charged with domestic violence may be required to stay away from the complainant until the trial is determined.
Choose an Experienced Bail Bonds Provider
Bail bond providers offer a means to afford high bail and allow the defendant to return home until their trial. The right agency should be available to help you 24/7 and commit until the case is resolved. If you or your loved one has been charged with a crime, consider contacting an experienced surety bonds provider to help you navigate the bail bonds process.