If you or a loved one have been arrested, you can request bail to be released from jail. Because bail is expensive, many people opt for bail bonds to cover the cost and expedite the release of their loved ones. These Bail bonds are an integral part of the judicial system, allowing individuals accused of a crime to remain free until their court date. Despite their prevalence, various myths and misunderstandings about how bail bonds work often lead to misunderstandings.
Scroll down to learn more about bail bond myths and misconceptions.
What are Bail Bonds?
A bail bond is a surety bond offered by a bail bond company through a bondsman to secure a defendant’s release from jail. When a court sets bail, the defendant can pay a small percentage of bail to a bail bondsman, who will then provide the court with the full bail amount.
Here are two main types:
- Criminal bail bonds
This is a legal document used for criminal cases that guarantees a defendant’s attendance at trial and payment of court-determined fines and penalties.
- Civil bail bonds
This term is used in civil cases to guarantee the payment of the defendant’s debt, interest, and costs.
Common Myths About Bail Bonds
Bail Bonds are Only for the Wealthy
Some people believe getting a bail bondsman service requires a lot of money upfront. However, they are designed to ensure everyone’s accessibility and charge a non-refundable fee of 10% of the total bail amount.
Leading bail bond companies like ABC Bail Bonds allow you to pay this money in installments and/or with security to support the payment, lowering the cost of the service for everyone.
Bail Bonds Are for Guilty People
A universal belief is that bail bonds are only necessary for those found guilty. The statement is inherently false. The purpose of the bail bond system is to guarantee a defendant’s appearance in court, not to assess their moral character. Bail bonds enable everyone to have the right to a fair trial, regardless of guilt or innocence.
Bail Bonds are Unprofessional
A common misconception regarding bail bond agents is that they are dishonest and unprofessional. However, they are licensed professionals who uphold professionalism and integrity. In order to work in bail bonds, you need to get a state-issued license, complete the necessary training, and pass background checks.
A Bail Bond is the Same Amount as the Bond
Bail is posted on your behalf for a portion of the entire bond amount. In return for a part of the total bond amount, the bail bond company pays the money on your behalf. You are required to appear in court after being released from custody. The court returns the money to the bail bonds firm, and the bail bonds company keeps the fee you give them.
All bail must be paid to be released.
A bail bond is a legal document that simplifies the bail process. When you have one, you have to pay the bail bond firm a percentage of your bond amount. Then, the bail bondsman pays the full amount required to post bail. In most cases, you can only post a small portion of the entire bond sum set by the court.
