If someone you love has recently been arrested, you’re likely overwhelmed by all the information you’re reading. It can be difficult to sort through all the legal jargon you hear as you research bail bonds in Fremont County and across Colorado. Let’s take a look at a few common terms you will hear in the next few weeks.
—— Common Bail Bond Terminology —–
– Bail
When a person is arrested, they will be booked into jail. In most cases, a bail amount is set that must be paid in order for them to be released. This money is held until the court case is complete, at which point it will be returned. Bail acts as a sort of insurance against the defendant leaving town and trying to escape justice.
– Bail Bond
Unfortunately, bail amounts can be very high – making it impossible for people to pay to get loved ones released. When this happens, a bail bondsman can help. The bail agent promises to pay the bail amount in full if the defendant skips bail, and in return, the bondsman charges a small fee – usually a percentage of the full bail amount.
– Collateral
In some cases, bail bondsmen require collateral in order to bail someone out of jail. This property is used as security against the bond. This way the bail agent is protected if the defendant skips bail – the collateral will be forfeit and the bondsman won’t be stuck with the full financial burden.
– Defendant
When you hear the term “defendant,” it is important to understand that this is the person who has been arrested. This is the person you are trying to bail out of jail. This term will apply to your friend or family member throughout their trial until the completion of the criminal case.
– Forfeiture
If the defendant fails to return to the courtroom for all their court dates, the bail will be forfeit. This means the court will not refund the bail amount, or the bail bondsman will hire a fugitive recovery agent (a bounty hunter) to find and return the defendant.
– Indemnitor
A term you hear often in the bail industry is “indemnitor.” This refers to the person who co-signs the bail bond to get a loved one released. The co-signer (indemnitor) will be held responsible if the defendant fails to do his or her part. The indemnitor will be held responsible for the full bail amount should the defendant skip bail.
Call an Experienced Bail Bondsman for Answers
If a loved one has been arrested, don’t go through the bail bonds process alone. Instead, contact one of our experienced bail agents to help you navigate through the entire process easily. We are here to answer all your questions. If you decide to work with us to obtain bail bonds, we’ll go to the court for you so you don’t have to. Our bail agents are compassionate, helpful, and quick. Call us today!
