Getting arrested or finding out that a loved one has been detained is one of the most stressful moments anyone can face. Knowing what to do next can be overwhelming. Fortunately, with the help of a bail bondsman, you can navigate this difficult time with less stress and more confidence. At DJ’s Bail Bonds, we’ve helped countless individuals in North Carolina get out of jail quickly and efficiently. But before you make that call, here are five crucial things you need to know.
1. What Is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond is a type of financial agreement used to release someone from jail before their trial. It acts as insurance that the individual will appear in court. The court sets a bail amount, and if the defendant cannot afford it, they can turn to a bail bondsman for assistance. In exchange for a fee (usually 10-15% of the total bail amount), the bail bondsman posts the full bail with the court. Once released, the defendant is expected to appear for all court dates.
2. How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?
The cost of a bail bond varies depending on the total bail amount set by the court. Generally, bail bondsmen charge a percentage of the total bail, typically between 10-15%. For example, if the court sets a bail of $10,000, you would need to pay the bondsman $1,000 to $1,500 to secure the release. Keep in mind, this fee is non-refundable, even if the charges are dropped or the defendant is found not guilty.
3. Bail Bond vs. Cash Bond: What’s the Difference?
When someone is arrested, the court may allow them to post a cash bond or use the services of a bail bondsman. A cash bond means the entire bail amount must be paid in full upfront. If the defendant attends all court dates, this money is refunded after the trial. However, many people don’t have access to large sums of cash at a moment’s notice. That’s where a bail bond comes in—allowing the defendant to be released from jail by paying only a fraction of the bail amount to the bondsman.
4. What Happens if the Defendant Skips Court?
If the defendant fails to appear for their court date, the bail bond is forfeited. In this case, the bail bondsman has the right to track down the defendant and return them to jail. Additionally, whoever co-signed the bail bond will be responsible for repaying the full bail amount. This is why it’s important to make sure the defendant fully understands their legal obligations before signing a bail bond agreement.
5. The Role of the Co-Signer
A co-signer plays a crucial role in the bail bond process. The co-signer is someone who agrees to be financially responsible for the defendant if they fail to show up in court. This means that if the defendant flees or skips court, the co-signer must pay the full bail amount and any additional fees incurred by the bondsman to track down the defendant. Co-signers should be sure they trust the defendant before signing.
Why DJ’s Bail Bonds is the Best Choice
At DJ’s Bail Bonds, we understand how urgent and stressful it can be when you or a loved one needs bail. That’s why we are committed to providing fast, reliable service 24/7 across North Carolina. Here’s what makes us stand out:
- 24/7 Availability: We’re here to help at any hour, day or night. Arrests don’t happen on a schedule, and neither do we.
- Experienced Agents: Our team is highly experienced in the bail bond process and knows how to get you out of jail quickly.
- Flexible Payment Plans: We offer a variety of payment options to make the bail process more manageable.