A Quick Guide to the Basics of Bail Bonds

The legal system can be confusing, but when you get a phone call about one of your loved ones being arrested, the world can turn upside down in a heartbeat. If the caller requests help getting released from jail, you probably need to post bail or contact a bondsman. When that happens, here are three things you need to know about bail bonds.

How It Begins

After a person is arrested, he or she is moved through a process called booking. Fingerprints and a picture are taken, and then your loved one is moved into a statement room to tell their story. The accused is then taken to a cell to wait for a trial or to wait for intervention – their bail. If bail is paid, the court keeps the money until the accused appears for their court appearance but releases the defendant. If you do not have enough money to pay the full bail amount, you can turn to a bondsman at a bail bond company Allentown PA.

Bails and Bail Bonds

There is a difference between bail and bail bonds. Bail is a court-mandated amount of money that must be paid to the state in order to get your loved one released from jail while waiting for his or her court date. If you are unable to pay the required amount, you can seek the help of a bondsman. By paying the bond company a set percent of the entire amount and guaranteeing the rest of the money with personal property, your loved one can be temporarily released.

Your Refunded Money

If your loved one returns to court for his or her scheduled appearance, the bail money and bonded property can be released back to you. The bondsman is granted a percentage of the bond in fees.

The American legal system can be confusing. With the help of a bail bondsman, you can often get your loved one released from jail within a few hours.