different types of bail bonds

When someone gets arrested, they may be able to pay bail and get out of jail. However, it’s important to understand the different types of bail bonds in order to decide if this is the right option for you or your loved one.

Most people don’t have the amount of money required to pay cash bond and they need help from a professional bail bondsman or agent. These individuals charge a percentage of the total bail amount in exchange for guaranteeing that their client will appear in court on time and won’t default. This is called a surety bond and it’s probably the type of bond you’ve heard of most.

A federal bail bonds google reviews is similar to a surety bond, but it is used for those who have been charged with a federal crime. Federal crimes are considered more serious than state or local offenses, so these types of bail require higher fees and extra collateral.

Are there different types of bail bonds?

In some cases, the court may allow a property bond, where a defendant puts up their own property in lieu of cash for the bail amount. The property must be valued at a minimum of twice as high as the amount of the bail, and the courts will have a lien on it to ensure they can take possession if the defendant forfeits their bail by failing to show up for court.

Other types of bail include citation releases, personal bonds and release on own recognizance. A citation release is essentially like a traffic ticket and applies to minor crimes that don’t require jail time. The accused must sign the citation and promise to attend their court dates, otherwise they can be arrested again. Failing to appear for court also forfeits bail and can lead to further legal trouble such as a warrant being issued for their arrest or loss of employment, tax refunds and other benefits.

A personal bond (also known as a signature bond) is when a defendant signs a contract with the bail agency and pledges property or other assets to back the bond. Defendants who choose to go with this option will be held responsible for any criminal or civil penalties if they fail to appear in court, so this is a risky choice for many people. In some cases, the court may refuse to waive a personal bond and instead require that the defendant be kept in custody, but this is usually reserved for those who are considered to be a flight risk or danger to the public.