How Bail Bonds Work

Posted on: 12 October 2015

If you have just received a phone call from a loved one asking you to do whatever you can to bail them out of jail, you are most likely a bit shocked and worried about how you will come up with the needed funds. If you are unable to find the money needed to post bail, hiring a bail bond service can be a great solution. Here is a rundown of how the bail bond process works to help you make a decision as to whether it would be a good way for you to get your loved one out of jail or not.

Why Is Bail Money Needed?

After your loved one is arrested, a judge will determine if they can be released on their own recognizance or if money will be needed to release them into the public. This money, or bail, is usually needed when someone is accused of a larger crime as there is a chance they will not return for their court date if they fear substantial jail time will be a result. This is a service provided by the judicial system to allow someone being accused to return home so they can continue working instead of sitting in jail waiting for their court date. If the person is accused of a crime that shows they could be a risk to the public, bail will be waived and they will have to remain in jail until their court date. 

How Can A Bail Bond Service Help?

If you find out the amount your loved one needs to be released is rather high, you will need to weigh your options regarding how to obtain the funds needed. Most people will take out a loan, tap their savings, or sell something large to obtain money quickly. If you are not eligible for a quick loan due to financial troubles, and savings or selling is out of the question, you may want to speak with a bail bonds service, like All-Mobile Bail Bonds. They will put up the money you need right away with the promise your loved one will show up for their court date in exchange.

What Happens If Your Loved One Skips Court?

The court system returns the bail money to the person who had paid it when the accused shows up for trial. If your loved one doesn't show up for court, the bail bond service will lose their money. When you sign paperwork borrowing bail from a bail bond service, it will specify their terms regarding a no-show for the court date. In most cases, a bail bond service will have a bounty hunter available to track down your loved one. They will then turn them into the police and you will be responsible for paying back the bail money they had lent for the cause.

When you sign to borrow money, you will need to provide information about some of your personal property to use as collateral. If you do not pay back the bail money right away, you could lose your home, your car, or other assets. Make sure you are positive your loved one will show for their court date before signing a bail bond application. If you are confident they will show for court, a bail bond can ensure they are allowed to leave the jail to continue working until court is required.

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