What happens when a person gets arrested? You’ve probably heard the term “post bail,” but do you know exactly what this means? Do you understand what’s involved with this process? Posting your bail is a legal process that must be followed properly to avoid additional fines and jail time.
Use the following FAQ to learn about this legal system and how to navigate it. If you find yourself in any of these situations, you can contact a bail bondsman in Angleton for assistance.
What happens if you are charged with a crime?
In some cases, a police officer can decide whether to cite you with a ticket and charge a fine or arrest you and place you in jail. If you are taken to jail, you must post bail to get out.
What is bail?
Bail is the amount the court decides must be paid in order for the defendant to be released from jail until their court date arrives. It is paid in cash or cash-like payment, such as a cashier’s check or a money order.
How does the court decide on the bail amount?
The judge will examine the nature of the charges to determine the amount of and conditions for bail. If the crime involves violence or other dangers to the community, the amount is typically higher. The judge will also consider the defendant’s criminal history and flight risk.
Bail can also be conditional. Rather than pay money, the defendant may be required to surrender firearms or complete addiction treatment, for example.
Can a person be held without bail?
Yes. If the court determines that the defendant is a threat to the community or a flight risk, he or she may be held without bail.
What happens after bail is posted?
Once the bail is paid, the court will issue a document that states the defendant may be released and the terms that must be followed. This includes a required appearance in court for the settlement of the charges and final sentencing.
Who can pay bail?
If you are arrested, you may post your own bail. If you need to, you can ask someone else to post your bail. This could be a family member, friend or bail bondsman in Angleton.
What does a bail bond agent do?
A bail bondsman offers assistance in cases where the defendant cannot pay his or her own bail. For a fee (usually a percentage of the total bail amount), the agent agrees that he or she will pay the remaining amount of the bail if the defendant doesn’t come back for their court appearance.
What happens if the defendant doesn’t appear in court?
If a bail bondsman has paid a defendant’s bail and the defendant doesn’t show up as promised, the bail bondsman is held responsible for full payment of the bail. Additionally, the defendant faces a fine, prison time or both.
Get More Answers
Do you have additional questions about bail or working with a bail bondsman in Angleton? At Brazoria County Bail Bonds, we specialize in misdemeanors, felonies, probation violations, theft, drug offenses, DWIs and more. We have over 35 years of experience and can answer any questions you have about the bail bond process. We make it easy and affordable to meet set bail requirements, allowing your loved ones to return to their lives while they await their day in court.