A bonding agent, commonly called a bail bondsman, is a person who provides bail bonds for people charged with crimes and who do not have the money necessary to post the entire bail with the court. The bail bondsman acts as a surety, promising the defendant will appear in court. Every year, millions of Americans […]
What Is Bail Jumping? (And Why Is It a Very Bad Idea?)
It’s a common enough occurrence, both in movies and in real life: a defendant in a criminal case, out on bail, decides not to show up for a court date. It’s known as “bail jumping,” and it sets in motion a complex chain of events that usually end up with the defendant back in jail, […]
5 Questions You Should Ask Your Bail Bondsman
After an arrest, most defendants’ primary consideration is getting out of jail. Once bail has been paid or a bond signed, the defendant is free to go and can continue going about their life and start preparing their defense against the charges that have been levied. Often, in their haste to get out of jail […]
Tips for Choosing the Right Bail Bondsman
If you or a loved one has been arrested, you’re likely experiencing a challenging and emotional time. Securing release from jail is a top priority, and – depending on the jurisdiction – you may have several different bonding companies to choose from. You probably won’t want to spend much time shopping around, but if you […]
Bail vs. Bond: What’s the Difference?
Contrary to popular belief, the justice system has no desire to keep most defendants locked away in jail until their trial date. Keeping a defendant in detention until their trial contributes to overcrowding and costs significant taxpayer money. Additionally, keeping someone in jail while they await a trial makes it more challenging for them to […]
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
Dealing with an arrest is a stressful, potentially traumatic experience. If it’s the defendant’s first encounter with the criminal justice system, it’s even more overwhelming. Working through the legal processes that follow an arrest is complicated enough without being compounded by being confined in jail. A defendant’s first priority after an arrest is to secure […]