Common Questions People Ask About Bail Bonds

Unless someone has had to deal with the bail bonds process, they may not understand exactly how it works. Knowing what a bail bondsman does may help if you are ever in the position to need one.

What are Bail Bonds?

Bail is what is posted by a bondsman to allow your release from jail should you ever be arrested. It is the amount of money set by a judge or sometimes jails have a specific bail for more common offenses. Most all offenses qualify for bail unless it is a charge such as murder. Even then, bail can be set, but it is generally quite high. Sometimes it is denied outright because the crime was so heinous, or the judge feels the person will not show up for court.

How Do They Work?

If you are arrested and contact a bondsman, they will ask for certain information such as what you were arrested for, the bail amount, and where you are being held. They will also need your full name, address, date of birth, place of employment, and other personal information. Generally, the amount they charge to provide a bail bond for your release is 10% of the amount of the bail. Sometimes it may be higher. The remaining amount of the bail is put up by the bondsman. One company that offers affordable bonding minneapolis mn is Twin Cities Bail Bonds.

What Happens After You are Released on Bail?

When you are released on bail, you must sign a contract saying you will keep your court date. If you do not, the bondsman does not get the money back that they put up for your release. Therefore, they will do their best to find you and return you to jail, so their bond money will be returned. The bondsman will utilize information about you to try and locate your whereabouts. Then they will contact the police and give them your whereabouts.

A bail bondsman provides a service that can be beneficial if you do not want to stay in jail until your court date. Being released on bail allows you to return home, go back to work, and contact an attorney to prepare a defense for their charges.