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What Are Bail Bonds?

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A bail bond is something for the defendant, or person in jail, to pay for and use to get out of jail until court. If the defendant, or someone on the defendant's behalf, pays bail, they are then able to leave jail and reside at home until their court date arrives. Bail is fully refundable if the defendant shows up to all court dates and does not flee. You are able to hire a bail bond agent if you are not able to afford your bail. 

What Are the Types of Bail Bonds?

There are 3 common types of bail bonds that are utilized. Those bonds include:

  1. Cash bond: A cash bond is when the bail is required in full up-front. This is fully refundable at the end of the trial if all rules and laws are followed. There are instances where fees the defendant owes are deducted before the remaining amount is refunded to the defendant. 
  2. Property bond: A property bond is when the defendant does not have the cash to present as bail. The defendant is able to put their property up for bond. If they fail to comply with the court's rules, the property can be foreclosed on. 
  3. Percentage bond: A percentage bond is when the defendant is only required to pay a pre-set percentage of the total set bail. The percentage not paid doesn't have to be paid unless the defendant fails to comply with their bail rules. 

What Is a Bail Bond Agent?

A bail bond agent is someone who will guarantee money or property on behalf of the defendant for their bail. Bail bond agents usually take a percentage cut from the amount put up for bail as payment for their services. If the defendant fails to comply with the rules given by the court or show up for their court date, the bail bond agent is lawfully able to utilize a bounty hunter to bring the defendant back to the jurisdiction of the court. The defendant is then responsible for paying back the money the bail bond agent lost when the defendant did not follow the rules of their bail. 

Is Anyone Eligible for Bail Bonds?

Not just anyone is able to get out on bail. If the court decides someone is a flight risk or will be unwilling to show up for court, the judge is able to deny that person possibility of release on a bail bond. 


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