If bail is set, what happens next?

After the bail amount has been set, the court usually allows a bond to be posted in three different ways: cash, property, or surety. Occasionally, a court will require that a bond be cash only. in that case that is your only choice.

• Cash Bail - Cash bail means someone (usually a friend or relative) must bring the entire bail amount, plus any applicable jail fees, directly to the jail where the defendant is incarcerated. As an example, if the bail amount is set at $1000.00, then you must bring $1000.00 cash plus the jail fees to the jail. Some jails will accept credit cards. If the defendant appears for all his/her scheduled court appearances, the cash bail should be returned in full.
• Property Bond - In rare cases, you might choose this option. A property bond is posted directly with the court. The court records a lien on the property to secure the entire bail amount. If the defendant fails to appear, the court has the right to foreclose on the property to recover the forfeited bail amount. Please check directly with the court as to the requirements for this type of bond. As a general rule, you must have equity of no less than 150% of the bail amount. As an example, if a bond is $50,000.00, then you must have at least $75,000.00 in equity.
• Surety Bond - This is more commonly known as using a "bail bond agent", or "professional surety". The bail agent guarantees that the defendant will appear to each and every court appearance until the case is complete and the bond is exonerated, released, or discharged. For this service, the bail agent charges a fee or premium. This fee is normally non-refundable.

How much does a bail bond (surety bond) cost?

The bail premium/fee is 15% of the bail bond amount or $50.00 minimum. Typically, on large bonds, the fee is negotiable with an approved cosigner. In addition, the bail agent may collect the bonding and booking fees charged by the jail. Most detention facilities charge between $10.00 to $50.00 per bond.

I have decided to use a bail agent, what do I need?

Basically, there are four things that a cosigner (also known as an indemnitor) needs to bail someone out of jail:

• Have a valid government issued ID
• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Provide a current pay check stub and have been on their current job for at least two years or longer. Must be employed full time.
• Must be 18 or older

How long does it take for paperwork?

It will take about 20 minutes.

How can I pay?

We accept cash, credit cards, check, money order or Western Union.

I don't have the full amount of the premium, can I make payment arrangements?

Yes. Please contact us, we will make payment arrangements that you can afford.

How long does it take for a person to get out of jail?

It depends on the jail and the county that the defendant was arrested in. A bail bond cannot be posted until the booking process is complete and the jail authorizes the bond to be posted. At some facilities, the bail agent must make an appointment to post the bond. Once the bond is posted, it usually takes from two to four hours to be released, but can be significantly longer depending on how busy the jail is.