A bail bondsman can provide the funding to secure a defendant’s release from jail before trial. However, they will require some collateral to guarantee that the defendant will attend all scheduled court appearances. This can be in real estate, personal property, or written guarantees by credit-worthy friends or family members.
Requirements
Bail bonds are complicated businesses that offer massive loans to people accused of crimes. They require extensive legal paperwork to ensure that the correct information is filed with the court and that the bail bond company has the right documentation to file the correct bond for each individual.
One of the most important requirements for posting bail bonds Allentown, PA, is to provide collateral worth at least the bond’s total value. This requirement ensures that the bail bondsman can cover any financial obligations to the courts if an individual fails to appear for their court date. Items like jewelry, cars, and property are commonly accepted forms of collateral since they hold a high value and don’t depreciate quickly.
Bail is often set at a high amount, and most defendants are financially unable to post bail on their own. That is why a professional and experienced criminal defense attorney can help mitigate the effect of these high bail amounts by convincing the judge that the defendant will not flee from justice.
Collateral
A bail bond requires collateral to guarantee that the defendant will appear in court. Collateral can be in the form of cash or property. In the case of property, the bondsman will assess the value based on the property’s condition, make, model, and resale or investment value. In addition, a deed or pink slip is typically required to prove ownership.
If the defendant fails to attend their court appearances, the collateral will be forfeited to the bail bond company. Therefore, it is crucial for indemnitors to fully understand the risks involved in offering collateral.
Fees
When you or a loved one secures a bail bond, they must pay a non-refundable fee. This fee, known as the bond premium, is regulated by law and rarely varies much from company to company.
In addition to the fee, individuals who post bail must put up valuable assets as collateral. This could include the deed to your home, a piece of jewelry, or even your car. The collateral is used to cover the cost of your bail in case you fail to show up for your court dates.
The defendant must also agree to comply with any conditions the court sets, such as staying away from certain places or people. If they do not, their bond may be revoked. However, their bond money is returned to them if they show up for all their court dates.
Timeline
The process of obtaining a bail bond can be complicated and lengthy. It’s important to know what to expect so you can prepare accordingly. This can help alleviate stress and confusion during what is already an overwhelming time for anyone who has been arrested.
Upon arrest, the defendant will undergo a process known as “booking.” This involves providing basic information, including their full name, date of birth, address, and complete criminal history. They will also be fingerprinted and photographed.
At their arraignment, the judge will set bail based on several factors. This includes the severity of the alleged crime, the risk of the defendant fleeing, and more.
The defendant’s family or friends will then work with a bail bondsman to secure their release from jail. The bail bondsman typically requires collateral to guarantee that the defendant will appear at their required court hearings. Collateral can include items like real estate, vehicles, and other assets.