How Does The Bail System Work?

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When the police arrest anyone in the U.S., there is a question about whether the court will release the person until it's time for their trial. If the judge decides to release a defendant, the court then has to determine whether to release them on their own recognizance or require a surety. Bail bonds assure the court that a defendant will return for any proceedings between now and the end of the trial process.

Unsurprisingly, people often have questions about how bail bonds work. Here are answers to four of the more common questions.

Who Can Post Bond?

If you have the means to post bond using your own money or assets, you can negotiate what you'll put up with the court. However, many people either don't have enough money or can't access it easily. Fortunately, a third party can also post bond. A family member or loved one can do this, but many people use bond companies that offer their services through loans. These loans have interest, and there are usually fees, too.

How Do You Post Bond?

Most courthouses and many jails have locations for handling the bond process. If you're using an asset like a house or car, the court will place a lien on it until you've attended all required hearings. Otherwise, cash bail involves someone paying the bail amount and then escorting you out of the location.

Will You Get Your Stuff Back?

Someone from the jail should return whatever possessions that the police aren't holding as evidence for the trial or the proceeds of the alleged offense. The judge may also order you to turn over your passport if you have one.

Do You Get Bail Back?

Whoever posted bail gets it back if the defendant complies with the terms of their release. For example, the court frequently orders electronic monitoring of released individuals. If someone cuts off the ankle bracelet and goes on the run, the person who posted the bail will forfeit the money.

Bear in mind that a bail bond company is the one that gets the money back if its agent posts a surety for a defendant. The defendant or another person must still pay the company. Once the company gets its money back, it doesn't return the bond.

However, the bond company can usually offer a significant discount compared to you posting bail. This is because they take responsibility for your return. Also, the court empowers bond firms to forcibly return people to get their money back. 

To find out more, contact a company like Abaasy Bail Bonds.

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