If you’re in a position in which you need to post bail for a friend or relative, you may be wondering how bail bonds work. Will you get your money back after you post bail? What happens if you don’t have the full amount upfront?
Many people who are asked to post bail for someone else feel overwhelmed when it comes to bail bonds. Fortunately, there are several options available to you that will help you ensure the person’s release and also allow you to retain your funds for the bail bond.
- Cash Bail Bonds. Cash bail bonds are the most preferred method for helping someone secure bail because it is a straightforward transaction. Cash is given to a bail bond agency, which then works with the court to have a defendant released until their set court date.
- Surety Bail Bonds. Surety bail bonds require a deposit upfront for a bail bond, and also collateral to cover the remaining balance. A bail agent will keep the collateral, such as jewelry, cars, stocks, real estate, or other real property, as insurance that the defendant will attend their court date.
- After Payment. If the defendant attends all of their required court dates, all cash and collateral will be returned to you and the bond will be dissolved. If the defendant does not attend their court dates, the cash and collateral will be kept partially as profit for the bail agent with the remainder going to pay any court costs.
At Alpha Bonding, we can assist you when you need to purchase bail bonds for a friend or relative. Contact us today to learn more about our services.