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.
Subject: Bail & bond questions
You should contact the Clerk of the Court. They have all of the information, this is where lawyers go to get the pertinent documents.
Subject: Bail & bond questions
We are focused on the sentence, "the bail people said it wouldn't be worth it". Depending on the conditions for the bail as set by the magistrate at the arraignment, the bail bondsman's reply sounds like they are weighing their risk. The bonding company must guarantee the court that your fiance will appear for all court dates. If the amount is too high, or the court thinks the offender is a flight risk, either they feel he might flee or they know something (not...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
Missing a court appearance while on bond is a serious, serious offense. For starters, there will be no further bond until her case is heard. The bond is the "assurance that the charged will appear for every court appearance". As for the new charges, my guess is that the judge will be pretty angry when she faces him. Without further information on all that she is facing, my only advice is for you to be patient and let the process...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
A bail amount with no release date visible is completely normal at this stage and it makes sense once you understand what each piece of information means.
Bail is set by the court to ensure your boyfriend shows up for his future court appearances. It is not a release date. It is a financial guarantee the court requires before considering releasing him while his case moves through the system. The bail amount appearing in a search simply means a judge has...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
It means HOLD. In Florida state court, the judge at first appearance can add a condition to bond known as a "Nebbia Hold" or "Bail Source Hearing". A Nebbia hold allows the court to inquire into the source of the funds used for the bond. The problem with a Nebbia Hold is that it can delay a person being released from custody. This might be a spot for a good attorney, knowing how to navigate this process.
Subject: Bail & bond questions
The $167 you are looking at is the ten percent option, which is what a bondsman typically requires as their non-refundable fee to post the full $1,700 on his behalf. If you can come up with that amount, a bail bondsman handles the rest and he gets out while his case moves through the courts.
If that is not possible and he has to sit it out, the timeline depends entirely on the court's schedule and how backed up the docket...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
Yes, it can be done remotely, though it requires a bail bond company willing to work with you by phone and accept your payment electronically or by credit card rather than in person.
Bail bond companies operate locally in the county where the arrest happened, not in your city. Start by searching for licensed bail bondsmen near the jail, not near you. Call a few and explain your situation. Most experienced bondsmen handle out-of-town family members regularly. They can walk you...
Read moreSubject: Bail & bond questions
There is no time limit. If it is unpaid, he remains in custody so the clock is more on him than anyone
Subject: Bail & bond questions
There is no second chance for a bond if you are stupid enough to get arrested while out on a bond. Usually, the judge who was generous and lenient allowing you to remain free while awaiting your trial would laugh at such a request. The whole idea is that you get out on bond and stay out of trouble.
Subject: Bail & bond questions
No such thing, community corrections is already a lienient provision for a low-risk offender. This type facility is the easiest place to do time.
