Bail Bond Terms You Should Know

 

For anyone getting arrested for the first time, the process can be confusing and often intimidating. The procedure for obtaining a bail bond can seem baffling to the uninitiated. If you have no previous experience with the bail system you may be unfamiliar with some of the common terms used in the bail release process. Understanding what these terms mean can help you to understand the process and give you an idea of what to expect.


Terms you should be familiar with include:


Bail

An amount of payment set by the court the defendant must pay if they wish to be released from jail before their trial date. The amount the bail is set at can vary significantly depending on several factors including type of crime committed, past criminal offences etc.


Bail Bond

A bail bond is a form of insurance that provides the defendant his freedom back to attend all court hearings being free. A bail bond can be processed by the defendant himself, oftentimes this means they have to pay the full bail amount to the court or arresting agency. When using a bondsman, the defendant only has to pay a portion of the bond to the bondsman or agency, however the bail agency and defendant both are fully responsible for the full bail amount which becomes a debt if the defendant fails to appear in court.


Collateral

Something of value which is pledged to secure a person’s release from jail. Often a signature is sufficient collateral, but at times other forms of collateral may be required, in place of or in addition to cash. Different scenarios often call for different types of collateral. Real estate, precious jewelry, and valuable collections (art, coins, etc.) are examples of acceptable collateral. Any property collateral is returned when the case is completed.


Bounty Hunter

When a defendant fails to appear for their court date a bail bond company may hire the services of a fugitive recovery agent, AKA bounty hunter to find and apprehend the person.


Felony

These are crimes that are major offences and often come with higher bail fees.


Forfeiture

This is what happens if the defendant does not show up at court and their collateral is forfeited to the courts. In some cases, the court may reverse this decision in a hearing if there is a legitimate reason for missing the court date.

If there is not a valid reason for missing the court hearing, then bail is forfeited and a warrant will be issued for arrest.


Indemnitor / co-signer

One or more persons who guarantees the bail bond and assumes responsibility for the defendant appearing in court. If the defendant fails to appear at their court hearing the Indemnitor or co-signers may be required to help locate the defendant.


Misdemeanor

A crime considered less serious than a felony. Anyone charged with a misdemeanor may receive a monetary fine and lesser punishment.


Promissory Note

A promissory note is a term used in all kinds of financial situations. Generally, it is notice that you promise to pay a debt to an individual/organization.


Recognizance Bail

Being released “on your own recognizance” means release without payment (a bond). A recognizance is a signed promise from the defendant that they will attend all judicial proceedings and will not engage in further illegal activity or other prohibited conduct as set by the court.


Surety bail


When a third party agrees to be responsible for the debt or obligation of the defendant. In many jurisdictions, this service is provided commercially by a bail bondsman. The bail agent will receive 10% of the bail amount upfront and will keep said amount regardless if the defendant appears in court.


Bail can be posted with a surety alone, or with cash and a surety.



Get help from a Hartford County Bail Agent


Want to know more about the bail or bail bond process? 3-D Bail Bonds Inc has been processing Harford bail bonds and helping to release defendants from jail since 1998. The highly experienced team at 3-D Bail Bonds know all the details you need to know about bail in Connecticut, they can help you to make sense of anything your confused about day or night, 24/7.




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