What is your level of knowledge about bail bonds? Do you have first-hand experience? Is everything you know about it based on old episodes of Law & Order? Depending on your knowledge source, your information may or may not be extremely accurate. Often, the public is unaware of how bail bonds truly work.
A bail bondsman in Angleton can set the record straight for you. Here’s five quick facts to help you understand the bail bonds process.
- There may be strings attached: Bail bonds often have stipulations that must be followed. These rules, set by the court, can include staying in the country or state, not carrying a firearm, or avoiding any further criminal charges. If these rules are not followed, the accused will face jail time and possibly more charges and further prosecution.
- Courts can cancel your bail bonds: The courts are in charge of establishing the amount of bail that must be paid and whether or not it is an option. They also have the right to revoke bail bonds. If this happens, the accused goes to jail without further option for bail. Any fee paid or collateral pledged is lost. A common reason for this scenario is when the accused fails to follow one or more rules established for their bail.
- Bail bonds agents have rights too: In exchange for the release of the accused, bail bonds agents are assuring the courts that their client will appear for all court appointments. If the accused skips town or doesn’t show up, the bail bondsmen is held responsible. Because of this, they can go after the accused. Their job is to ensure any fleeing criminals are taken back to appear in court.
- Judges may reconsider: Once bail terms are set, the accused may ask the judge for reconsideration. This may be in regards to the amount set or rules that were stipulated. The accused may ask for modifications to the terms, such as allowing them to leave the state or lowering the amount of the bail. The judge has the right to deny reconsiderations, but they are sometimes granted, making it worth the effort for the accused to at least ask.
- Many factors effect your freedom: Several things are taken into consideration when bail amounts are set. To determine if bail should be an option or how much it should be, judges look at a few factors. These include your criminal record, the type or severity of the crime committed, and the likelihood that you will flee. The combination of these factors leads the judge to make a decision about bail.
Need more info?
After this quick overview of the bail bonds process, you may need more in-depth information for your situation. The legal system can feel complex and overwhelming to those unfamiliar with it. If you or someone you know is caught up in legal proceedings, you might need assistance from a bail bondsman in Angleton. For strategies to avoid jail time or for much-needed funds to post bail, contact Brazoria County Bail Bonds.