Bail & Bond Questions — Ask the Inmate
The period between arrest and trial is one of the most confusing and financially stressful moments a family can face. Bail and bond decisions happen quickly, the amounts can be overwhelming, and the consequences of getting it wrong are immediate. This section covers how bail is set and what factors judges consider, the difference between cash bail and a surety bond, how bail bondsmen work and what they charge, what happens when bail conditions are violated, and what families can do when bail is set too high to afford. Understanding the bail system is the first step toward getting a loved one home while their case proceeds. The answers here come from real experience navigating the system from both inside and outside the courtroom. Whether your loved one was just arrested or has been waiting weeks for a bail hearing the information in this section will help you understand your options and make informed decisions quickly. See also our sections on Pending Criminal Charges and Sentencing Questions.
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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
Read moreIt depends on the total bail set at the hearing
Read moreThe bond is set so that there is assurance that the offender will appear for all court dates. The bailbondsman require at least 10% of that amount and/or some collateral like amn automobile or real estate. So, getting out without posting a bond is not going to be an option for him. If they allow him to be released to leave the county, it would be unlikely that he would be welcomed back.
Read moreNo. Prison is where offenders go to complete their sentence.
Read moreIt might mean that he got some of the charges reduced. He will have to come up with at least 10% of the amount, so if he can - he will be able to get out.
Read moreNo, the magistrate that sets the bond knows there is a deportation. They will not risk offender flight pending a hearing with that order in place.
Read moreYou will have to research your options. Most bailbondsmen are local. You should talk to 2-3 to make sure you are comfortable with the arrangement. Most of them charge a non-refundable 10% of the set amount of the bail. The bonding company then submits the paperwork to the court who will release the offender from custody. The bond is in place to ensure that the offender appears at all scheduled hearings. If they miss a court date, the bond is
Read moreProbably not. The amount that they take in cash is usually a small percentage of the actual bail amount - and then it's underwritten by a bail bondsman that keeps that money. They are the ones responsible for you appearing at every court date (and are guaranteeing it).
Read moreWe do not have a list of bailbondsmen to refer. But, when you do select one, it will be them that will determine the method of payment - this too will depend on the charge and the amount of the bail bond - and the percentage they'll require you to put down (non-refundable) to post it on behalf of your defendant. It's all about the bond company's comfort that the person they are guaranteeing will show up for all court
Read moreProbably not. But, without knowing all the facts it is just a guess. If he has violated three times, maybe he wants to be in there?
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