People get arrested for a variety of reasons, from speeding to driving under the influence. When someone is arrested, a judge usually sets bail that ranges from thousands to even a million dollars, depending on the offense. In many cases, the arrested cannot afford to pay his or her bond out of pocket, so he or she turns to a bail bond company.
What Is a Bail Bond Company?
A company that provides Lehigh County bail bonds provides surety bonds to the accused. The bond typically costs about 10% of the overall cost of bail. For example, if the judge sets the arrested person’s bail at $25,000, a bond company will bond the person out of jail for $2,500. Sometimes, collateral such as the deed to a house or car, is also required. Once paid, the company sends a representative to the jail or courthouse to pay the entire bail amount and get the arrested person out from behind bars.
What Is a Bail Bondsman’s Responsibility?
When a bail bondsman puts up bail for someone who has been arrested, he or she is effectively taking responsibility for the person who is getting out of jail. This means the bondsman is telling the court that the defendant will appear at all court hearings and will follow bail conditions without issue. The bondsman can be held liable by the courts if the defendant fails to appear or otherwise breaks conditions of bond.
What Happens if the Defendant Skips Bail?
If a defendant skips bail, the bail bondsman is on the hook. In the simplest of cases, it means that he or she will take control of any collateral provided during the bond transaction. If it is legal, the bail bondsman may hire a bounty hunter. The bounty hunter will find the missing defendant and bring him or her back to jail. In many states, the defendant will need to pay even more fines and likely spend more time in jail if he or she skips court hearings.
If you or someone you know is in need of a bail bond, choose a company that has a strong reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Remember to find someone who is licensed and insured. An attorney may be able to point you in the right direction.