Jail, bail, and all other legal and criminal matters are confusing to a person who is not well-versed in the law. If you are preparing to surrender to an arrest warrant, you will soon be faced with the need to get out of jail, because when you turn yourself in to authorities, you will be arrested on the spot. If you just learned of your loved one being arrested, you could be the one to help them get a release from jail.
Regardless of which situation you are facing, it is important to understand the basics of using bail bond services, including what a bail bond agreement entails and what liability you take on when you or your loved one is “out on bail.” Continue below to learn what you need to know.
Bail Bond Basics
A bail bond, also known as a surety bond, is a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear at each and every court appearance as the court mandates. Failure of the defendant to comply with the conditions of the court often result in a warrant being issued and the bail bond forfeited.
If you haven’t already picked up on the fact, you are the indemnitor, which means you are responsible for ensuring that you or your loved is behaving while out on bail, plus appears for their scheduled court date. If you or your loved one breaks the law, violates the bail bond agreement, or misses their hearing, you must pay back the entire remainder of the bail, which is usually in the thousands, plus any expenses spent returning the defendant to the court or jail.
For example, if your friend’s bail is set at $5,000 and the bail bond agency fee is 10%, you must pay $500 for the bail bond, which is non-refundable. If your friend fails to appear for court, you have to pay the remaining $4,500 to the bail bondsman. If you don’t, you will be in criminal contempt.
Being ‘Out on Bail’
Being out on bail simply means that a person has been released from jail on a bail bond and they are now awaiting their scheduled court hearing. When you co-sign a bail bond agreement to get someone out of jail, you are the party responsible for ensuring they follow all rules of the agreement while out on bail. If you do not know your friend that well, or they have an extensive criminal history, it is not wise to sign for a bail bond. There are many terms and conditions for being out on bail, but the main ones include:
☑ Remaining Within City Limits
☑ Refraining From Criminal Activity
☑ No Consumption of Drugs or Alcohol
☑ Attendance at Upcoming Court Hearing
Are you looking for fast and friendly Hamilton County Indiana bail bond service? Contact Uptown Bail Bonds at 317-919-2489 for 24 hour emergency bail bonds in Noblesville, Indiana. We also provide prearranged bail services for arrest warrant surrenders.
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