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Each state has its own bail bond process, which gives an offender the opportunity to get out of jail while awaiting trial. If you have been detained for a crime, or are considering posting bail for your loved one, learning how bail bond systems work can help you obtain freedom easily.
Difference between Bail and Bond
Bail is the money deposited as a security to a court to assure that the defendant will show up for all court proceedings. Instead, a bail bond refers to the promise made by a bondsman or bonding company on a defendant’s behalf to pay the bail if they do not attend court.
How is Bail amount determined?
A judge considers numerous factors when setting a bail amount. The main factor is the defendant’s likelihood of leaving the jurisdiction to avoid a sentence. Some other factors that affect bail include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The defendant’s ability to pay
- The seriousness of the offense
- The defendant’s criminal history
- The defendant’s ties to the community
- Public Safety
- Whether the accused is likely to re-offend
- The defendant’s likelihood of returning to court
If the judge believes that you posted bail by illegal means, you could be charged with a violation.
Bail Bonds Options
You have three options when thinking about releasing someone from jail.
- Pay the total amount of bail to the jurisdiction that is detaining the person
- Hire a bondsman and pay a percentage
- Let the defendant stay in jail until they see a judge
In cases where the bail amount is too high and you can’t wait long until the defendant goes before the judge, then you should hire a bail bonds agent who is licensed and insured to write bail bonds for that specific jail in which the inmate is being detained. Initially, the bail bonds agent would require information such as correct jail location, the full name and booking number, and the bail amount set by the court before providing any assistance.
How do Bail Bonds Work?
A bond agent is in the business of posting bonds for criminal charges. You need to pay a fee, usually from 10% to 15% of the bail amount which is non-refundable. The offender is set free from jail and has a court date set. When the offender appears in court, the bonding company gets their money back. If they don’t appear, the co-signer becomes liable for the entire amount of the bail payable to the bonding company.
What do you need to qualify as a co-signer on a bail bond in DeKalb County?
The bonding company wants to be convinced that you can cover the cost of the entire bail amount if the inmate doesn’t show up for court. You need:
- A valid Georgia driver’s license
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income
- 25 years of age
For more information on bail bonds services call AA Professional Bail Bonding today.
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