Navigating the complexities of the legal system after an arrest can be overwhelming for anyone. Those needing bail bonds should familiarize themselves with the steps involved to avoid missteps and ensure their pretrial release.

Once released on bail, they must adhere to all court-ordered conditions. This could include abiding by travel restrictions or attending all scheduled court appearances.

Determine the Amount of Bail

They’ll appear in court when arrested, and the judge will set their bail amount. Defendants can either post their cash bail or use a bail bondsman to pay their bond for them.

Many factors go into deciding the amount that should be set on the bail bonds Allentown, PA. The severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history are vital considerations. Judges also consider how much of a flight risk the defendant is considered to be.

Defendants known to the community or with strong family ties are less likely to flee and skip court appearances. Their employment and property ownership can be important considerations as well. If a judge believes defendants are dangerous to their victims or the public, they may not let them out on bail.

Contact a Bail Bondsman

If you cannot post bail, you can get help from a licensed bond agent. A bond agent sells a legal paper to the court for a fee (typically 10%) that guarantees that the defendant will attend all court dates. Friends and family members act as co-signers on the bond, meaning they promise to forfeit money or property to the court if the defendant misses a court date.

The bondsman will want to know details about your income and assets, so have that information ready when you call. They may also require collateral, such as a house or car, to secure the bond.

A bondsman’s fee is non-refundable, so ensure you are comfortable with this responsibility before signing a bond. A good bondsman will work with you to devise a payment plan, depending on your financial situation. They will also call to remind you about your court dates.

Post Bail

Once the court sets bail, the defendant can be released from jail or custody if that amount or a percentage of it is paid to the court. Payment can be made in cash or approved cash substitutes such as money orders, tellers, or cashier’s checks. Defendants can either pay their bail or work with a bail bond company to do so.

Some people post a property bond, in which they promise the court that they will return to their home and maintain ownership of any real estate, the value of which exceeds the amount of their bail. Others choose to sign an unsecured appearance bond, promising to return for their court date.

The bond indemnitor or co-signer must pay a nominal fee to the bail agent, which is generally 10% of the total bail amount. The indemnitor must also pledge collateral to the bail bond company to ensure that the court receives the bail amount if the defendant skips their court dates or otherwise violates their court-appointed conditions.

Attend Court

After being bailed out of jail, an accused person must attend all court hearings that have been scheduled. It is essential to ensure that their bail is not revoked and that they are not re-arrested. Failure to attend a court date may result in charges of contempt of court, fines, or even jail time.

During the bail hearing, a judge will determine if bail should be granted and, if so, what amount should be set. Several factors will be considered, such as the severity of the crime, the defendant’s employment and reputation, and criminal history.

If the accused cannot pay the full bail amount, they may hire a bondman to post a surety bond on their behalf. The Indemnitor of the bond must sign paperwork indicating that they are responsible for ensuring the accused shows up to all scheduled court dates. They may also pledge collateral, such as a home or car, which could be forfeited if the accused fails to appear in court.