The Bail Bond Process Explained
A bail bond is a method that allows a defendant to obtain a certain level of freedom after they’ve been arrested.
With a bail bond in place they are able to pay to get out of jail until their court date arrives. If nobody pays the bail bond or the defendant cannot afford it, they have to remain in custody until the decided court date.
Being bailed out of jail is usually the preferred method, as it allows the defendant to hold onto their job, get prepared for the court date, or honor any family commitments they may have. Having space away from jail can also allow the defendant to get advice and clear their head before the court proceedings take place. Posting bail also means that the defendant can continue to live somewhat of a normal life, as the trial proceedings can sometimes take several weeks, or even months.
In many cases, the defendant has the option of paying the full bail amount themselves. However, finding a method to actually pay the bail can be a complicated scenario. When a person is arrested, their personal belongings are often taken away from them, meaning they do not have access to phones, credit cards or cash.
This is where the use of a bail agent comes in useful, as they can help to facilitate a portion of the payment. There are also situations where a friend or family member of the defendant contacts a bail agent on their behalf.
See the following infographic to find out exactly how the bail bond process works and how payment can be made in an efficient manner.