What is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond, technically called a “surety bond”, is a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a state licensed bail bondsman backed by an insurance company. The bail agent guarantees to the court payment of the full amount of the bond if the defendant fails to appear for their scheduled court appearances. You should always ONLY deal with licensed bail bond company.
How is the Bail Amount Set?
Public safety is always the first consideration. The more severity the crime, the higher the bail amount will be. County bail schedules will generally include bail amounts for crimes as well as crimes plus extenuating circumstances. For example, bail schedules will indicate a bail amount for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs (known as DUI) or in some states Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), but will also include a higher bail amount for DUI with accident or DUI with injury or even higher for DUI with death.
What is the cost of a Bail Bond?
In most states, including Louisiana, the cost of a bail bond is 12% of the bail. Note that each state sets their rates and the rates are non-negotiable. There are no hidden fees or taxes for a bail bond. By example, if the bail is set at $25,000, then the fee charged is $3000, no more and no less by law.
How do I pay for the Bail Bond?
When arranging bail, companies generally need payment in advance of “posting” a bond for the release of a detainee. We accept Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
At A-ABAIL Bonding, we know the cost of the bail bond is more than many people have at hand. Therefore we offer various payment options, flexible financing and payment plans when acquiring a bail bond. In many cases, we can offer no collateral bail bonds.
What is the procedure for bailing somebody out of jail?
Generally, a bail bond company will be contacted by phone to begin the bail procedure. During the initial phone consultation, most companies will ask for information about your situation in order to determine the risk involved in the bond and begin the approval process.
Once the bail bond is approved, the customer will need to sign basic bail bond documents including an application, Indemnity Agreement, and receipt. After the paperwork is finalized and payment has been made, a licensed bondsman will “post” the bail bond at the jail.
Do you offer financing or payment plan options?
We realize that the cost of a bail bond may be more than you have readily available. If you qualify, we can work out a payment plan.
What other bail information and legal resources are available?
A-ABAIL Bonding has a great collection of bail bond resources for your easy access and convenience. From bail schedules to informational articles, you can find what you are looking for when it comes to information on bail bonds.
What is collateral?
Collateral is something of value that is used to secure a debt or ensure payment. Sometimes a bail bond company will receive collateral in order to ensure that the defendant appears in court. Most bail bond collateral is in the form of real estate or cash. A bail bond company must return your collateral at the resolution of the case.
Do I always need collateral for a bail bond?
Not with A-ABAIL Bonding. We often negotiate no collateral bail bonds. These are called signature bonds. We find that most of our customers are eligible for a signature bond.
If I use collateral for a bail bond, when do I get it back?
When the defendant’s case has been completed and all financial obligations are satisfied, collateral is returned to the individual who pledged it.
Will the court take my property as bail collateral?
Yes, the court will take your property as bail collateral. However, because Property Bonds involve real estate and can be likened to the buying or selling of a home, the process usually takes several weeks. Equity in the property must be equal to 150% of the total bond amount.
If I bail somebody out of jail, what is my responsibility?
When you bail someone out of jail, you are called the bail bond indemnitor. You take full responsibility for the defendant to show up in court when you bail someone out of jail. Most issues with appearance in court are easily resolved and rarely escalate beyond a simple phone call.
What happens if a defendant is bailed out and fails to appear in court?
If the “failure-to-appear” in court was a simple mistake, then the bail bond company or an attorney can usually make arrangements for the defendant to return to court. Courts generally understand that people get sick, traffic or car problems arise and other unforeseen circumstances occur. This is most commonly the situation and is easily remedied.