All you need to know about the bail bond process
The process of getting a bail bond can be an intimidating one. We’re all familiar with the term “bail,” and have either seen or read about various crimes where the culprit is released from jail via bail, or is arrested with a posted bond amount (which, depending on the nature of the crime, can be quite hefty). But what exactly is bail, and why are most defendants better off utilizing a bond? There are a plethora of reasons why, and many of them have to do with ensuring they keep their jobs, kids, homes, and loved ones.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A BOND??
Just using the raw definition, a bond is an agreement with legal force. A bail bond is just that–a contract, or legally binding document–made in agreement between the bail bondsman, and the defendant. When someone is charged with a crime and detained for it, they have two options: remain in custody (jail) until they see the judge and sit out their time behind bars, or post a sum of money in order to be released before their trial. The latter option is what’s usually preferred, as it allows the defendant to return to their lives, their family, their work and/or school, and completely resume their day-to-day activities before it’s time to go to court. The latter option is bail, and it’s usually a large amount of money–money that isn’t always readily available in your pocket. ABC Bail Bonds of Harris County, Houston is on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and approves all bonds; if you prefer the latter option, we can get you covered and pay that bail to release your loved one, and make your lives easier.
THE PROCESS
A bond is usually set at 10% of the total bail, which means if someone’s bail has been set at $20,000, the amount of $2,000 will be needed to purchase a bond. If someone you know has been detained for a crime and you would like to post their bail, you will be their representative. We will ask you some basic questions (info about the defendant, where they live, the nature of their crime), and after which, a customized contract will be prepared for you to fill out. Once the necessary paperwork has been complete, a bondsman will be sent to the jail and post the bond to release your loved one. When you sign this contract, you are taking responsibility for the defendant, ensuring they will go to court and meet any other legal expectations. If the defendant decides to flee and cannot be located within six months, the person who signed the contract will be expected to pay the full bail amount as penalty. However, this type of situation fortunately rarely happens (the national ‘skip’ rate is less than 2%).
ABC BAIL BONDS
ABC Bail Bonds is one of Houston’s oldest, most established big bond specialists, founded in 1950; not only have we helped make hundreds of thousands of lives easier, we have been the loyal bondsmen for multiple generations within families who have trusted us throughout the years with their grandparents, parents, kids, and we will continue to be the trusted source for future generations to come. If you have any further questions about how bail works and what your responsibilities are, please give us a call. We are here to inform, and help you through the process of getting your loved one out of jail as soon as possible–without a minute to waste.
