The Basics of Bail Bonds System

Published on: 19 December 2020 Last Updated on: 31 December 2021
Bail Bonds

If you’ve never used bail bondsman services before, you probably don’t know how it all works. You’ve most likely heard it on the news somewhere ‘the defendant was released from prison on an insert-amount dollar bail until trial next month’, or you’ve seen it on TV or in a movie. The point is, it always goes along the same lines. But how do bail bonds work? We reached out to bail bonding professionals at BailCo LLC for a crash course in bail bonds.

Why is there a need for bails?

Simply put, when someone’s arrested, they’re taken to a police station for booking, and the process includes having mug shots taken, fingerprinting, and giving a statement. Then that person is held in prison until they can have their day in court.

Alternatively, a person can post bail and leave prison until their trial. However, bails are usually very steep, and the defendants usually cannot pay them themselves, or even with the help of friends. This is where bail bonding agencies come into play, to ensure that people don’t needlessly sit in jail.

Ok, so what is the bail itself?

Basically, bail is a contract, usually between the bail bonding agency and the court, on the behalf of the defendant. The defendant will be released from prison to await trial, provided that they give some insurance to the agency, in form of money, property, or bonds. The amount of money needed to post bail is set by the court.

The court’s end of the agreement is to release the defendant, while the bail bonding agency’s end is to make sure that the defendant shows up for their court date. Since these bonds are usually not cheap, some courts accept payments of full bonds, but they also agree to only be paid 10% of the bond, as a down payment, in order to release the defendant. Should the defendant skip, the agency is accountable to pay the rest to the court?

Since the agencies also have a lot of money on the line in this situation, they need a way of protecting themselves in case the defendant skips their day in court. The agencies can hire bounty hunters to track down the fugitive defendant. The USA is one of the last countries to still allow bounty hunting.

How does the Bail Bonds system work?

The bail bondsman puts up the bail set by the court, and the defendant is released. It is important to note that a fee of usually 10% must be paid to the bail bondsman in order to cover the expenses of the agency. If everything goes well, and the defendant shows up for the court date, the full amount of the bail is returned. Except for the money given to the agency as a fee. This is kept by the bail bonding agency, for services rendered.

Can anyone just post bail?

Well, no. Bails are usually not given to people who have been accused of committing severe crimes, especially those crimes of a violent nature. The courts prefer having those individuals in prison, to avoid any further criminal behavior. But most other people are offered this option. And of those, the overwhelming majority of them go for it. It is a difficult time in the defendant’s life, and staying in prison during all that time could be even more so. Feeling the support of one’s family really does mean a lot, and bail is here to provide it.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Divorce Attorney

When Counseling Doesn’t Work: Finding an Indianapolis Divorce Attorney

Finding a good divorce attorney in Indianapolis starts with knowing whether the person across the table from you is the best person for the job. The right lawyer can help turn an emotionally tumultuous time into something much more bearable and understandable, all while doing their best to ethically help you reach your desired outcome for the case. When counseling doesn't work and you both feel that a relationship has run its course, you need to start looking into legal representation for your divorce proceedings. Needless to say, this can be a difficult and emotional time, so it's best to have a lawyer whom you feel is in your corner and capable of fighting for you in whatever way the case and your spouse's demeanor require. Here are the answers to come commonly asked questions regarding divorce attorneys. What Type of Attorney Do I Need? Different areas of law have different skillsets associated with them. There are also at times different regulations and specifics that a lawyer will need to know well to practice ethically and to the best of their ability to help you reach your desired outcome. For these reasons, you'll want to choose a lawyer who is well versed in practicing family law in your county. Divorce can sometimes be a complex process, even without the emotional burden it can bring, so it's good practice to have a lawyer who both knows the ins and outs of family law and is familiar with your local courts and judges. How Do I Find a Good Attorney? The first step when it comes to finding a good divorce attorney is to ask those closest to you, especially if they've been through the divorce process in the area before. The exception to this rule is when the person giving you advice doesn't actually know the lawyer in question, or only knows them in passing. It's best to take recommendations from people who have worked with the lawyer in a professional capacity beforehand and can confidently recommend them based on direct experience with how their case was handled. Once you've collected recommendations you feel good about, you can narrow your focus a bit to just those lawyers who focus on family law. While lawyers may practice in other areas of law, 'doing it all can often be a red flag. Make sure that whomever you decide to interview knows family law well enough that you would be comfortable having them represent you during this difficult time. Know your strategy. Some divorces call for a more aggressive strategy than others, and it's important to find a lawyer who is well-suited to the work before you commit to working with them. If at any point you're uncomfortable with the tactic being taken, you're within your rights to speak up. A good divorce lawyer will be able to work out which track -- mediation, traditional litigation, or alternative dispute resolution -- will be best for your case, and adopt a strategy that will help move you toward the outcome you desire. It's also important to talk through the tough issues with your lawyer, such as if you or your spouse owns a business, if anyone inherited property, if you were living together before the marriage, etc. A good divorce attorney will be absolutely worthy for you as he should never avoid these more difficult topics, but instead, work to talk them through peacefully and untangle any legal knots that may be forming. Finally, it's a good idea to interview more than one potential attorney. This way, you'll get to see different approaches to your case and can choose the one which is best suited for you from a place of knowledge. This will also let you get to know other lawyers' personalities and help you choose the person you can most effectively communicate with. Any lawyer you meet with should be willing to give you the time you need to make an informed decision about them and their services. Can I And My Spouse Share an Attorney? The short answer is no. Even if one lawyer is contracted to draw up paperwork for both parties, they are still legally representing only one spouse. It's unethical for a lawyer to represent both parties in a divorce as both spouse's goals run counter to each other and a lawyer cannot ethically give good legal advice to both parties when their goals are at odds with one another. If your spouse is having the paperwork drawn up, it's best for you to start researching divorce attorneys in your area and seeing who you feel good about working with. In Conclusion Whomever you choose to work with for your unique case, it's important to set yourself up with a professional firm that can provide you with excellent legal representation. Your unique case and personality, as well as your spouse's demeanor in the divorce, are all factors that will have to be intellectually weighed in order for a good divorce attorney to come up with a competent strategy and smooth things over peacefully whenever possible. It can take some time to find a divorce attorney who will be a good fit for your case and personality. For this reason, it's best to start looking for representation as early in the process as you can, to give yourself enough time to find an attorney who will be a good match for you. You deserve solid, experienced legal representation from a divorce attorney who understands your case and situation. Read Also: Tips To Help You Overcome the Pains Caused By Divorce Divorce 101: How To Get Through This Difficult Time and Come Out Stronger! How to Bring Up Divorce With Your Spouse

READ MOREDetails
Vision Loss Injuries

4 Of The Most Common Vision Loss Injuries That Lawyers Handle

Vision loss is a painful and traumatic experience that can have long-term physical, mental, and emotional impacts that many people do not anticipate. The nature of these consequences typically requires the attentiveness of a specialized lawyer to ensure both legal protections and proper compensation claims are adequately filed if you or someone you know suffers from vision loss due to an accident or injury. In this blog post, we will look at some of the most common types of vision loss injuries lawyers handle so that those impacted can understand their rights in such cases. 1- Burns Burns is a prevalent form of vision loss injuries, so lawyers are often involved in helping their clients get the compensation they need to cover medical expenses and any other costs associated with the injury. The severity of burns and their potential to cause vision problems to vary significantly. Not only can a burn cause reduced or wholly lost vision, but permanent disfigurement or scarring may also result, depending upon the degree of trauma. Hence, consulting with a lawyer experienced in this area is essential to ensure you receive the total compensation possible. Legal representation will ensure that your rights as an injured patient are fully protected and help you navigate the many complex rules, regulations, and insurance issues related to burning victims who have had their vision affected. 2- Physical Trauma Traumatic vision loss, or damage to the eyes caused by physical trauma, is surprisingly one of the most frequent cases that lawyers handle. This could include a sports accident, a motor vehicle crash, a slip and fall incident, and many other situations where physical harm was incurred to the eyes. Inadequately protected or low-quality eye gear such as glasses and safety goggles can also be factored in traumatic vision loss cases. A personal injury lawyer can help victims affected by physical trauma seek justice for their vision loss, whether temporary or permanent. 3- Corneal Abrasion Corneal abrasion is one of the most common vision loss injuries a lawyer can face. This is because it generally occurs due to simple everyday activities, such as rubbing your eyes or wearing contact lenses that are not correctly fitted. It may also be caused by trauma, like a foreign object in the eye, or extended time staring at a computer screen without enough breaks to refresh the look. Every year, corneal abrasions cause thousands of people to suffer from astigmatism and blurry vision, which can lead to disability benefits. With proper legal assistance, those affected by corneal abrasions can bring their cases against insurance companies and get the compensation they need for any medical care related to the injury. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms yourself or know someone afflicted with this shared vision loss injury, consulting an experienced lawyer could make all the difference in obtaining justice and reprieve from the physical stress caused by corneal abrasion. 4- Eye Bleeding Regarding vision loss injuries, eye bleeding is one of the most prevalent cases handled by lawyers in this field. Eye bleeding occurs when the fragile blood vessels in and around your eyes are damaged or broken, preventing them from functioning correctly. This consequently results in fluid build-up and scarring of the eye tissue, which can cause permanent vision impairment. Since it is often difficult to detect without an expert's assistance, many people only seek medical help once their injury has progressed or permanent damage has been done. However, seeking legal representation early on can help protect your rights and interests, ensuring you receive fair compensation for all losses or damages incurred due to this injury. 4 of the Most Common Vision Loss Injuries That Lawyers Handle - In Summary Lawyers can help people injured by vision loss in numerous ways. Attorneys will work with the evidence provided to build a case and obtain the best outcome for their clients. Law firms specializing in vision loss injury cases are specially equipped to handle clients with special needs and provide them invaluable assistance in recovering the necessary damages they deserve. People understand these essential facts about how a lawyer can help if they get vision loss injuries to increase their chances of walking away with compensation or settlements needed to provide for physical and emotional therapy for rehabilitation and improved quality of life down the road. Additional: Things about a Personal Injury Lawyer 5 Things To Look For In A Personal Injury Lawyer Few Reasons Why You Deserve To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer What Are The Effective Ways To Communicate With A Personal Injury Lawyer

READ MOREDetails
Great Lawyer

7 Characteristics of a Great Lawyer that can Help Win your Legal Battle

When you need legal help, it's critical to have the right lawyer to help you with your cause. Lawyers aren't all the same. Having the right legal team fighting for you can mean the difference between getting the right result in court and wondering what went wrong. If you're not familiar with the legal system, it can be hard to know if you have a lawyer who is up to the task. Here are seven characteristics of a great lawyer that can help in your legal battle from the attorneys at Lawyers Foyle Legal: 1. They listen: Being a great lawyer begins with being a great listener. Each case depends on what happened in that specific case. A lawyer can't be a great advocate for you until they fully understand the facts of your case. Your lawyer should remember the basic details about your case from one meeting to the next. They should actively listen to what you have to say, and they should ask questions. A great lawyer knows that you're more than just a case. Getting to know you and the details of your claim is a critical part of being a successful advocate. Your attorney should listen to you, ask questions, and allow you to ask questions, too. Being a good listener is the hallmark of the best legal minds in the world. A lawyer who does not listen is not someone who is able to help his or her clients to the best of their abilities. Listening allows for numerous details to be thrown up, which are relevant for the case at hand. Many people trust the Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney for the exact same reason. Their ability to listen to their clients and solve issues makes them sought-after in the industry. 2. They have experience in your area of law: Lawyers practice in many different areas of law. Some lawyers practice personal injury law and spend their time fighting for accident victims. Other lawyers focus on criminal law, wills and trusts, employment law, or patent law. Some legal practices are very specific to even a single law or issue. When you need a great lawyer, you need a lawyer that's experienced in the type of case that you have. Your lawyer needs to know the laws and court procedures that apply to the area of law that impacts your case. Thorough knowledge of the law and experience in the law is what gives an attorney the ability to advocate effectively for the client. Without a legal specialty in the right area, your attorney may miss critical rules and requirements. These errors may derail your case, or they may prevent you from fully getting the compensation that you deserve. Be sure that your attorney focuses in the right area of law and that they have the experience to help you with any unique issues that may arise in your case. 3. They can speak about your case: Your lawyer should be able to learn about your case and then give you a general idea of what to expect going forward with your claim. They should be able to tell you the basics about how the law applies in your case without having to turn to a textbook. Part of what your lawyer does for you is preparing you for what to expect in the legal process. They should be able to give you a rough idea of whether you have a case, a timeline for resolution of your claim, and what things you can do in order to achieve a better result in the legal system. A great attorney is honest with you about any issues that may make your case more difficult. If there are things that may cause you to lose your case or get a different result than you're hoping for, your attorney should be upfront with you about these things. They should help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case as well as what may happen in the future as you go forward with your claim. 4. They stay in touch: A great lawyer is a communicator first and foremost. They speak to the courts, and they speak to the opposing parties in the case. However, it's also critical that your lawyer communicates with you. You should be able to approach your lawyer with questions and concerns. Likewise, your lawyer should reach out when they have questions about your case. They should keep you up to date on developments as your case moves forward. Your lawyer may communicate by phone or email. In any case, there should be an open door for you to communicate with your lawyer at any time. 5. They build your case through diligent case preparation: Even if the facts are on your side, there's still important work to do to build a legal claim. You must gather evidence in a way that you can present in court. There are technical rules about how to present evidence, and you must follow them. For each type of case, there are certain elements that the parties involved have to prove or disprove. A great lawyer knows how to build a legal claim. They know that you must diligently take steps to build your case and present it to the court. A great lawyer should be able to spot any issues that might be controversial in your case, and they should know how to respond to these challenges. 6. They work as your advocate and your guide: Ultimately, you decide how to resolve your case. If the other side extends an offer to resolve the claim through a settlement, your lawyer doesn't decide whether to take the offer. You make the final decisions for your legal matter. A great lawyer gives you the information that you need in order to determine whether you're making the right choices at every step. 7. They're passionate about what they do: A great lawyer goes the extra mile. They don't stop until the job is done. A passionate lawyer is a great lawyer because they work diligently on behalf of their clients. If your lawyer enjoys what they do, they put that enthusiasm to work to fight for you. How to know if you have a great lawyer: Having the right lawyer working for you is critical to your claim. A great lawyer offers outstanding legal services through training, experience, and passion. They must be a great listener. Together, you work to help you achieve the right result in the legal system. Read Also: Keys To Become A Successful Lawyer How To Find Best Car Accident Lawyer Near You Things To Consider Before Hiring A Divorce Lawyer

READ MOREDetails