Most of the American population doesn’t give a lot of thought to bail bonds—until or unless they or a family member have been accused of a crime. All of a sudden, they’re thrust into an unfamiliar world and need to make fast decisions with very little information.
At Brazoria County Bail Bonds, we often get the same frequently asked bail bond questions in Angleton. If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime, here’s what you need to know about the process and how to get the ball rolling.
How does bail work?
In short, the court will set bail according to a number of factors, including the severity of the crime. Someone will post bail on the defendant’s behalf, which is held until the conclusion of the trial. If the defendant fails to appear, they forfeit the right to get the money back.
Will I get my money back after the case is over?
If you’re working with a bail bonds agent, you’ll pay a percentage of the total bail amount, while the agent will post the rest. Should the defendant show up to all of their appearances, the bail bonds agency will get their money back, but you will not get your fee returned. If the defendant fails to appear, you’ll be liable to the agency for the full amount.
What do I need to know before contacting a bail bonds agent?
You should know the defendant’s full name, where they’re being held, the booking number and the bail amount.
What if I put up the bond but the defendant might not show up?
If you’ve posted bail on someone else’s behalf (whether in conjunction with a bail bond agent or on your own) and suspect that they’re not going to show up and meet their obligations, contact the agent as soon as possible to discussion your options.
Can the defendant leave the state or country?
The judge will give you information about the specific conditions and restrictions of bail. Generally, defendants should not leave the state or country when on bail.
What is accepted as collateral?
You can use cash, real property or a bail bonds agent to post bail on the defendant’s behalf. Bail bonds agents might accept cash, real property, jewelry, stocks, bonds, credit cards, cars and bank accounts as security.
What happens if they get arrested while out on bail?
If a defendant is arrested while they’re out on bail, they forfeit the right to their bail. You will still be out any premium you paid to a bail bonds agent.
If you have more questions that weren’t covered here, be sure to call Brazoria County Bail Bonds with all your Texas bail bond questions. We know that any time a loved one is arrested, it is a stressful experience—let us help guide you through the process and make sure your friend or family member has what they need to await trial out of jail. We look forward to assisting you soon.