The Bail Bonds Process
Bail involves a process in which a defendant is released in exchange for money. This money is a type of “insurance” that the defendant will show up for his or her court dates. Bail exists because trials can take weeks or months to work their way through the court system and bail permits a defendant – who may be innocent – to wait for their trial at home, while pursuing normal activities.
How Bail Bonds Work
When people are arrested for a crime, they generally are taken to a local law enforcement station where they are booked. During booking, a police officer usually will take a mug shot and fingerprint the suspect. The officer generally will allow the suspect to make a phone call and will check to see whether the suspect is intoxicated. After the booking procedure, the suspect is incarcerated in a county jail or station.
When determining bail for a suspect, the judge will consider the suspect’s flight risk and the severity of the crime. If a suspect has a criminal history, or a history of not showing up for court appearances, that may affect a judge’s decision about bail. The judge may consider whether the suspect is a risk to others, whether the suspect has ties to the community, the stability of residence, work history and the nature of the crime. As a result of this information, release conditions and bail terms are established. Ultimately, the bail is at the judge’s discretion.
Posting a Bond
Once a judge has determined an amount for bond, the suspect usually can be released if he or she posts the bond in cash or in assets. If the accused or the family of the accused does not have the money or the assets to pay for bond, they can call CROWN. CROWN Bail Bonds will take a percentage of the bond amount, between 8 and 10 percent of the total bond depending on the state. Then we will supply the rest of the money so that the suspect can leave jail. If a suspect cannot afford bail or a bail bondsman, he or she can appeal the bond through his or her attorney.
Have a Warrant? Call us and we will check for you.
We specialize in BAIL BONDS for DUI, Domestics, Warrants and Parole Violations.