What is bail? What is a bail bond? And what is the difference between them? These are common questions that you need to understand before you work to bail out your loved one or yourself. We have years of experience in the industry, and we work hard to educate our clients so they understand each and every step of the process.
Before you can understand what a bond is, you need to have a general understanding of the entire system. When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, they are treated as innocent until proven guilty by the court. The court has a duty to protect the public from possible harm and ensure that the defendant doesn’t leave town and skip out on court dates.
This is where bail comes in. When a person is booked in jail after an arrest, a specific dollar amount is set that must be paid in order for them to be released. This money will be returned to them at the completion of their case if they return for all court dates. It acts as an incentive to return for their case.
Bail is determined on a variety of factors, including the laws regarding that offense in each state, the severity of the offense, whether or not the defendant or the severity of the crime is a danger to the public, the defendant’s criminal record, and whether or not they are considered a flight risk. The entire amount must be paid in full, and it must be in cash.
Often, bail can be difficult to pay. Even if it isn’t high, it can be difficult to come up with a large sum of cash all at once. This is where bail bonds and working with an agent is especially helpful. When you work with an agent you pay them a small fee (usually 10-15% of the full amount). The agent provides a bond that acts as surety to the court. If the defendant misses a court date, the bond goes into default and the agent and co-signer must pay the full amount. Bail bonding is a great option for a fast and affordable bail out.
When you work with an agent, there is a multitude of benefits. Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll gain by working with an agent:
Most agents offer flexible payment plans and options. There may be options to pay the fee over a certain number of months, for example, or you may be able to pay using a credit card.
When you obtain a bond, the fee is non-refundable. However, you won’t have to come up with as much money as you would if you paid it outright.
The criminal justice system can be confusing. When you obtain a bail bond, you will have someone working on your behalf with years of experience and knowledge.
Many people weigh the benefits of posting bail outright vs. obtaining a bond. When you post directly with the court, you’ll need to file the paperwork completely on your own. Also, if the defendant skips court dates, you will lose the entire amount. When you obtain a bond, you get the expertise of someone who has worked in the criminal justice system for years. Additionally, you won’t need to file the paperwork directly with the court – you’ll have the agent working on your behalf to get the fastest bailout possible.
If you’re looking for the best bail bonds near me, don’t hesitate to contact us. We operate all throughout Colorado and have been since 1996. Our agents bring an enormous amount of experience to the table and are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have about the process. Choosing a local agent who has experience with the local courts and jails is extremely beneficial. Call us or get started online for a fast and affordable bail out!
You can complete our bonding process 100% online. Apply, sign, pay, and get your loved one out in minutes.
Prefer to speak with an agent to start the process? Give us a call 24/7 to speak with an agent and get the answers you need.