Once your accused has gone before the magistrate, a bail amount is set. This bail amount becomes part of the record and usually you will have bail bondsmen contact the closest of kin to try and make a deal to bond your inmate out. Depending upon the amount, it is customary for the bail bondsman get a 10% non-refundable fee (of the total amount of the bond). Once you agree on the terms, the bondsman will go to the jail and get them released. This bond is a "guarantee" by the bail company that the offender will attend every court date. If they miss a date, the bail is revoked and the inmate is remanded to custody until trial or a plea agreement.