Do
I get my money back after the case is over?
There are a few exceptions to this but you do not get your premium
back that you paid to the bonding office. This fee is what allowed
the defendant to get out of jail and is fully earned once the defendant
is out of custody. For example, if the defendant gets rearrested a
week later, you get neither portion nor a refund of any money. If
the bondsman fails to live up to his end of the contract, then and
only then may you be entitled to a refund of some kind.
Can
I leave the state or country while I am out on bond?
You will have to get permission from the bonding office in writing
before attempting to do so. If the court has given you direct instructions
not to leave the state or country you must then get permission from
the bondsmen and the court before leaving. Otherwise you are subject
to arrest!
What happens if the defendant misses their court date?
When the defendant misses a court appearance, a bench warrant is issued
for the person's arrest. The defendant's name is then entered into
a nation wide data base (NCIC) as a fugitive. The defendant's Bail
Agency is obligated by law to arrest individual as well. This will
cause the indemnator to incur further costs.
What happens if the case goes more than a year?
There is from time to time where a criminal case may take more then
a year, and in this case a second premium will be owed to keep the
defendant on bond. It may be wise to contact the attorney and try
to get a bail reduction in the 10 or 11 months of the case in order
to save a costly renewal premium.
What happens if the defendant gets rearrested while out on bond?
There are remedies that can be done here as well. Contact the bondsman
as soon as possible so that they can discuss your options in full
detail with you.
What happens if I think the defendant is not going to show up for
court after I have already posted the bond?
There are remedies that can be done here as well. Contact the bondsman
as soon as possible so that they can discuss your options in full
detail with you.
Are some bondsmen less expensive than others?
Bondsmen are licensed by the state in which they practice. State guidelines
provide a set rate. Some bondsmen are licensed to write at 8%, meaning
that the cost to you the customer will be less but there are certain
provisions for this rate.
Can the bail bond agent discount the fees on the premium?
The surety files a rate with the department of insurance, which must
be changed. Bail is 10% of the bond amount plus an incidental insurance
fee of $10-15. Discount fees can lead to the suspension or revocation
of any agent's bail license by the department of insurance. There
are companies that legally charge 8% and 15 % under certain circumstances.
Always ask to see a rate chart if you feel that you are being wrongly
charged.
What information should I have before I contact the bail agent?
At what point is the co-signer no longer liable for the bond?
The co-signer is no longer liable for the defendant's bond when he/she
completes all of their court appearences and all premiums have been
paid. It is best to contact the agent when the bond is exonerated
by the court. This allows the fast return of any collateral pledged
and also confirms that the bond is exonerated. In the event of forfeiture,
the indemnitor is liable until the full amount of the bail has been
paid, plus any expenses incurred or until the court exonerates the
bond, which then becomes void.
Other Bail Links:
California
Bail and Bail Bonds Regulations |
Click
Here
How
Bail Works | Click
Here
History
of Bail | Click
Here
Josh
Herman Bail Bonds Co-Signer's Information |
Click
Here
Bail
Bond Web Sites: