Bail Bonds Explained

It’s important for individuals who are considering using bail bonds to understand exactly what types are available before making any decisions. Cash bonds, surety bonds, property bonds, federal bonds, immigration bonds and appearance bonds are all common types and can help you get released from jail while awaiting your trial date.

Types of Bail Bonds

When facing criminal proceedings, it's important to understand the various types of bail bonds available. A bond is an agreement between the court and the defendant, where the defendant offers a financial guarantee that they will appear in court as required. By doing so, the defendant is released from custody until their court hearing. The most common forms of bail bonds include cash bonds, surety bonds, property bonds, federal bonds, immigration bonds and appearance bonds. Below is a brief explanation of each of these types of bonds:

• Cash Bonds: The defendant posts cash or cash equivalent collateral with the court to secure their release from jail before their trial date. The funds are held until all outstanding cases against them have been concluded. Any unused portion of the bond is then refunded to the defendant. It’s important to note that this option is only available if the defendant has sufficient funds available to cover the full amount of bail set by the court.

• Surety Bonds: These involve using a bond agent who agrees to make payment on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a fee that is usually about 10-15% of the total value of the bond set by the court. This may also require additional collateral depending on specific circumstances. It can be difficult for people with multiple cases against them since bondsmen may not want such risk involved.

• Property Bonds: They allow defendants to post real estate such as homes or land as collateral against non-appearance in court. Defendants must provide proof that they own enough real estate with ownership value that is sufficient to cover associated costs if necessary. As with Surety Bonds, it can be challenging for those facing multiple charges due to the high risk involved.

• Federal Bail Bonds: These bonds are specifically used in federal criminal cases involving offenses like drug trafficking or terrorism where there’s greater risk than normal criminal proceedings; these agents must be licensed both state and the federal government so they remain compliant with laws governing such matters.

• Immigration Bail Bonds: Immigration bonds are used when someone is arrested due to immigration violations like overstaying visas or entering without proper documentation - these tend to come at a higher cost because specialized knowledge about relevant laws is needed here too. It can be difficult to obtain an immigration bail bond and may require a high collateral amount.

• Appearance Bail Bonds: With these bonds, individuals don't need to put up collateral like cash, surety or property since no direct financial involvement from either party is required – instead agents specialize in helping individuals unable to make large sums of money quickly stay free while awaiting resolution case(s).