When someone is arrested and awaiting trial, a court may impose bail as a condition of their release. However, the sum of bail sometimes exceeds what they or their family can afford. This is where a surety bail bond comes in—a solution that allows them to get out of jail without having to pay the whole bail sum up front.
How Does a Surety Bail Bond Work?
When bail is set, the defendant or their representative calls a bail bond company, such as us at Alpha Bonding. For a fee, we give the court a surety bond, guaranteeing that the defendant will make all court appearances. If the defendant completes all responsibilities, the bond is canceled at the conclusion of the trial, regardless of the verdict. However, if they fail to appear in court, we become responsible for the full bail amount, which could lead to further trouble for the defendant—or their representative—including financial consequences.
Key Considerations Concerning a Surety Bail Bond
- Costs: While the amount is non-refundable, a surety bond is generally less expensive than paying full bail.
- Collateral: The bail bond agency may request property or assets as security for large bail amounts.
- Responsibility: The defendant needs to fulfill their duties, as they and their representative can incur financial risk if they fail to do so.
A surety bail bond can bring much-needed respite during a difficult situation, but it is critical to understand the responsibilities associated. Additionally, working with a reputed bail bond company such as us will ensure a seamless transaction.