FAQ

Bail is an amount of money, set by the court that guarantees the Defendant’s appearance in court. The amount of money is determined by a Judge at the time of a Preliminary Arraignment.

• ROR Bail – The defendant will be released without paying bail, but guarantees his or her own appearance in court.
• Unsecured Bail – The defendant is released without paying bail; however, if the defendant misses court, the amount of unsecured bail will be added to his or her court costs.
• Percentage Bail (10% option) – Ten percent of the full bail amount can be paid IN CASH at the prison or courthouse. After the case is completed, a percentage of the money is returned to the defendant or the person who paid the bail.
• Secured/Monetary/Straight Bail – The full bail amount must be paid in full, at the courthouse or prison, either through a bail bondsman or IN CASH

If family members are unable to pay the full bail amount, a bail bondsman can generally accept 5-7% of the total bond amount, called premium. This can be paid in cash, credit card, money order, cashier check, or bank to bank wire transfer.

By signing on the bail bond, you (the indemnitor) will assume financial liability for any and all fees including the full bail amount if the defendant misses a court appearance.  This is usually done by a family member or close friend of the defendant.

Any money paid to a bail bondsman as a premium to post the bail is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the case.

Collateral does not need to be paid on every bail. This is a case by case basis as extra security on the bail. Collateral is returned 100% as long as the defendant has not missed a court appearance at the end of the defendants court dates.