What Do Bail Bondsmen Do? A Closer Look at the Bail Process

We are commonly asked, “what do bail bondsmen do?” Much of the confusion surrounding the role of a bail agent is due to a lack of understanding about the bail process in general. We are dedicated to educating people about the bail system, bail bonds, and how we can help people during a difficult, confusing time. In today’s blog post, we’re going to take a closer look at the question, as well as look at the entire process.

The Purpose of Bail

The bail system is unique to the United States. It is an ingenious way to protect both the public, and treat the defendant as innocent until proven guilty. Without bail, people would either get arrested, and sit in jail for weeks, consequently losing their jobs and homes, or be released, and be of danger to the public. With bail, both interests are protected.

How Bail Works

Bail works this way: When a person is arrested under suspicion of committing a crime, they will be taken to the nearest jail and booked. A certain dollar amount will be set, either by a judge, or according to the bail schedule (a list of crimes and their corresponding bail amounts). The defendant, or a friend or family member, can pay this money to the court in order to be released as they await trial. The dollar amount depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the crime, the defendant’s personal criminal history, and whether or not they are a flight risk. If they attend all their court dates until their case is complete, the money that was posted for bail will be returned. It acts as a sort of insurance to incentivize the defendant to return to face justice.

Where Bail Bonds Fit In

The problem with posting bail outright, however, is that many people can’t come up with the money for bail. This is because, when you post bail without the help of a bail agent, you have to come up with the entire amount – in cash. This is how bail agents help: When a person is bailed out using a bail bond, it costs a fraction of the cost. Bail agents issue a bond to the court, promising to pay the full bail amount should the defendant skip court. The bond costs a percentage (usually this is around 10-20% of the full bail amount, depending on the state). Friends and family members co-sign the bond, protecting the agent in case the defendant skips bail. The court isn’t interested in the bail money – it is simply insurance to make sure the defendant doesn’t leave town, which is why bail bonds work.

What Do Bail Bondsmen Do? They Help in a Time of Need

What do bail bondsmen do? We help people get their loved ones out of jail quickly, and for an affordable price. Without a bail agent’s help, many people would sit in jail unnecessarily. We work hard to provide insight and help to people and their families immediately after an arrest. Call 1^st Choice Bail Bonds today to get the help you need bailing out a loved one!