Know Your Bail Bond Responsibilities

Law Blog

When a loved one calls upon you for help, you may be ready to do anything to get them released from jail. In most cases, that means procuring a bail bond for their release. Unfortunately, many people believe that their responsibilities are fulfilled once their loved one is free. It's easy to imagine how this can happen. Dealing with bail and jail situations are stressful, and very few people are prepared to deal with the details and ramifications of being an indemnitor. To find out what is expected of you when you work with a bail bonds service to bail someone out of jail, read on and learn more.

Make Sure They Appear in Court

One of the main requirements of bail is that the accused promises to appear for any upcoming court dates. As the indemnitor, you should make it your business to know about all court dates and to ensure your loved one is there on time. If they do not appear on the appointed date and time, a bench warrant for their arrest could be issued and they may forfeit the bond. That means that not only will they be arrested but that they are not likely to be released on bail again.

You May Incur More Fees and Costs

If your loved one fails to abide by any condition of the bail, you might expect to pay more fees. You might have to pay the cost for the bail bonding agent to locate and apprehend your loved one, for example. Additionally, if you have pledged property in addition to paying the bail bond premium, that property is now in jeopardy of being lost unless your loved one turns themselves in to the jail.

You May Pay the Full Cost of the Bail

A bail bond is a less-expensive way of making bail. The bail that the courts charge can be thousands of dollars and the full cost of the bail is what might have to be paid if your loved one disappears. Here is an example: the full bail amount was $5,000 and the bail bonding agency charges a 15% premium. The bail bond amount would then be $750. The remainder of the cost of the bail is born by the bonding agency. In most cases, the defendant fulfills the conditions of the bail and the bail is canceled. When the defendant fails to appear, you may, as the indemnitor, be responsible for paying the full bail amount of $5,000.

To learn more about bail bonds, speak to a friendly bonding agent in your city.

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