What is a bail bond?
A monetary guarantee for the court that a defendant will appear each and every time they are ordered to do so while their case is pending.
How much will bail cost me?
In most states, generally, ten percent of the bail amount (except for Federal and Immigration cases, which may be as high as fifteen percent), plus actual, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the transaction. The court determines the amount of the bond.
Each surety company must file rates with the Department of Insurance. Bail agents representing a company must charge the same, filed rates. A "Rate Chart" is required to be posted in a visible location at every bail bond office.
What can I put up for collateral?
Anything which you own and has significant resale value is good collateral.
Real estate may be put up based on equity. For example, a house on which you pay a mortgage is considered good collateral up to the difference between it's value and the amount you still owe on the mortgage.
Note that except for a house, items which you have bought on credit and are making payments are not usually collateral unless you hold the title (a.k.a. pink slip). For example; A car on which you have a loan in which the lender holds the title and you make payments is not collateral because lender has a lien on the vehicle. You may keep possession of major collateral items (e.g. House, Boat, Cars, as long as the Bail Agent holds the title (a.k.a. pink slip).
Personal items of high value (e.g. jewelry, fire arms, computers, cameras, stereos) can be used as collateral but normally must be surrendered to the Bail Agent who will hold them in a safe or other secure place. These items are normally valued at their current resale value, not what you originally paid for them.
Do I need collateral?
That depends on you, your bail agent and the amount of your bail. Every case is different. Sometimes a co-signer is sufficient.
What if the person I bail out does not appear?
The court will issue a warrant and notify your bail agent of the failure to appear. They will assist you in either reinstating the bail with the court or surrendering the person back to custody. If they are unsuccessful, the court will demand the full amount of the bail.
How long does it take to get out on bail?
Typically the paperwork takes approximately 45 minutes. The release time after the jail receives the paperwork is generally one hour or less for local police stations and 3-12 hours for county jails. Generally speaking, the busier the holding facility, the longer it takes.