Many people who end up in jail cannot afford to pay the bond required to leave. This is where a bail bondsman comes in. For a small fee, the bondsman takes on the responsibility of the full amount of bail. Here’s what you need to know before taking out a bond.
Necessary Information
Before contacting a Fayette County bail bonds company, you need to gather some information. You need to know the full legal name of the individual in jail and why they are there. The person has a booking number and charges you also need to obtain. Provide the bondsman with as much information as possible to make the process go smoother.
Bail Terms
The judge determines whether or not the person in jail can go out on bail and then for how much. The bondsman does not make these decisions. A bail hearing is conducted by the judge who sets the conditions of release. Some factors the judge considers include their employment status, previous convictions, family, crime severity and any ties to the local community. Not everyone qualifies for bail.
Basic Timeline
Your loved one lands in jail, obtains a hearing and the judge sets bail at $5000. The bondsman charges 15% to post bail requiring a payment of $750 up front. Once the amount or required collateral is handed over, the bondsman posts bail and then your loved one is released. This process can take several hours depending on the crowdedness of the jail and circumstances. As part of the bail bond terms, the defendant needs to abide by all conditions and appear at all court hearings.
Completed Terms
Showing up for court is a necessary part of taking out a bail bond. Failure to do so could result in landing your loved one back in jail and paying the full amount of bail to the bondsman. As long as your loved one abides by the terms and conditions, the bond obligations are complete at the conclusion of the trial regardless of the outcome.
