When someone you love is charged with a criminal offense, navigating the criminal justice system can be daunting and stressful. However, you can help simplify the process by using a professional bond dealer to help post a bond.
Bond dealers are a vital part of the American criminal justice system. Their role is to get defendants out of jail so they can focus on their court proceedings and not be deprived of their liberty.
What is Bail?
In short, bail is money or other security that a defendant gives to the court in exchange for early release from jail before a court date is set. It allows people to return home, work, and support their families while waiting for a trial.
There are several types of bail, each based on the jurisdiction, type of crime, and whether the court thinks you’re likely to flee or violate the law. Examples are a refundable deposit (bail), surety bond, recognizance bail, and cash bail.
The defendant can post bail directly or through a bail bond company. The latter is the most common method and the only one that guarantees a defendant’s appearance at all court proceedings.
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
Bail bonds are a legal alternative to cash bail. The defendant pays a fee to the bond seller (a bail bondsman), and they post a bond with the court.
Someone’s friend or relative who wishes to get them out of jail can be the one posting bail. The bondsman at Scranton PA, will meet the defendant at the jail to post the bond and release the prisoner from custody.
There are two types of bonds: cash bail and insurance company bonds. Cash bail is usually low and can be paid by putting up money or signing collateral.
Insurance company bonds are usually higher than cash bail and require premium payment. The premium is non-refundable and cannot be returned to the person who pays it. Collateral, such as a property or car, is used to secure the bond. If the defendant makes all their court dates, the bail agency returns any collateral to the loved one who signed it over.
What Happens if I Failed to Appear in Court?
If you receive a summons and don’t show up for a court date, it’s against the law. It includes criminal hearings, civil lawsuits, jury duty, and other legal proceedings.
If the court finds that you were in contempt of court, it can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. It allows the police to pick you up anytime, even during a routine traffic stop.
A misdemeanor conviction for failure to appear can result in fines and jail time. It can also affect your driving privileges.
The penalties for failing to appear to vary depending on the original charges against you. Typically, the most serious consequences come from missing a criminal hearing, such as a DUI trial or jury trial.
What Are My Rights?
Several major players are in the fray when navigating the criminal justice system with a bondsman in tow. However, the biggest hitter of the pack is a man in a suit – and that may not be the most comfortable situation. Luckily, many resources are available to help you navigate the legal minefield that can be daunting. From a practical standpoint, the most valuable tools of the trade are a great attorney and a bail bondsman that you can trust to be honest and forthright with you. To get out of this situation with your life intact, you must have the correct facts to make an informed decision. The best way to do this is to read up on your bail options and your case’s legal process. It would be best to familiarize yourself with the local law enforcement agency tasked with bringing your case to court.
