Navigating the Bail Bond Process: How a Bail Bonds Group Can Help You
Although no one plans to get arrested, unfortunately, it happens, even to the most careful of us. Getting arrested can be traumatizing and mentally frustrating for anyone, especially if it’s your first time dealing with the criminal system. This is why you need to acclimate yourself to the bail bond and other basic criminal system processes. Doing this will help you understand how bail bonds work, what to expect, and who to contact. Ultimately, it will prevent unnecessary jail time.
Although the process can be overwhelming, you can scale through it easily with a reliable bail bonds group like Connecticut Bail Bonds Group by your side.
Meanwhile, in this article, we will provide adequate information about navigating the bail bond process. So read on.
What Are Bail Bonds?
When you’ve been arrested, you’re expected to appear in court for your trial at a set date. The date can be several months later. However, with bail bonds, you can move around freely until the day of your trial. To guarantee that you won’t disappear before the trial date, the court sets an amount of money known as bail to assure the legal system that you will return for your trial. The court will hold this cash bail until you return for trial. Sometimes, a fine payment may be included in your judgment along with bail. So do well to find out about this and know the difference.
Who Has the Right To Bail?
If you’ve been charged with an offense that is not punishable by death (non-capital crime), then you may have the right to bail. Although, different rules apply to different states. If you’ve been charged with violent offenses, then you may have to confirm if your state has a provision for bail until your court trial. In some states, those who have been accused of violent offenses are detained in custody until their court hearing. This is especially true if the judge thinks they’re a threat to their community. Generally, if your crime is neither capital nor violent, then you may be given the right to bail; however, the price may differ.
How Does a Bail Bond Work?
Setting a bail amount is one of the first few steps in a criminal case. It occurs at the first appearance before a judge or at the arraignment hearing.
Once the judge has decided to grant you bail and has set the bail amount, you have three options to choose from. You can decide to stay in jail until the case is resolved and you’re freed. You can also pay the full bail. However, if you don’t have the bail amount, you can arrange for a bail bond.
The amount of bail varies depending on the discretion of the judge and how serious the offense is. For instance, the bail for felony offenses is always higher than that for non-violent offenses.
The essence of posting bail is to hold you accountable. It’s a guarantee that you or your loved ones will come for trials. It’s vital to understand the rules that guide posting bail in your state.
How Can a Bail Bonds Group Help You?
Consulting a bail bond agent is the best move if you can’t afford the bail set by the judge and don’t plan on staying in prison until your trial. They will help you get the bail money and pay on your behalf. However, there are certain processes involved. The bail bondsman will be asked to provide a written agreement to the court that states that they will be responsible for the full payment of the bail if the defendant doesn’t come for their trials.
In return, you will be asked to use your properties (jewelry, bonds, stocks, vehicles, and houses) as collateral. This will be returned to you when your case has been resolved. After you have filled in your correct information, the bondsmen group will take your information and collateral to get a loan from a surety company.
Because bail bond agents know the nook and cranny of posting bail, they will help you make the entire process easy and faster. Although you have to pay back, you can also decide on the payment plan that works best for you. If you’re unable to pay, then let your bondsmen know immediately. Otherwise, you may lose your collateral.
For the first time, securing a bail bond can seem overwhelming; however, by conducting thorough research and seeking assistance from a licensed professional, everything becomes easy.