How Bail Works
Posting of a bail bond. This process involves a contractual
undertaking guaranteed by a bail agent and the individual
posting bail. The bail agent guarantees to the court that
the defendant will appear in court each and every time the
judge requires them to.
For this service, the defendant is charged a percentage of
the bail amount. Before being released the defendant or a
relative or friend of the defendant, typically contacts a
bail agent to arrange for the posting of bail. Prior to the
posting of a bail bond, the defendant or a co-signer must
guarantee that they will pay the full amount of bail if the
defendant does not appear in court.
Typically, a family member or a close friend of the defendant
will post bail and cosign. Collateral is not always required
for a person to be bailed from jail. Often a person can be
bailed from jail on the signature of a friend or family member.
Cosigners typically need to be working and either own or rent
a home in the same area for some time.
After an agreement is reached, the bail agent posts a bond
for the amount of the bail, to guarantee the defendant’s
return to court.
If the defendant "skips", the cosigner is immediately
responsible for the full amount of the bail. If the defendant
is located and arrested by the bail agent the cosigner is
responsible for all expenses the bail agent incurs while looking
for the defendant.
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