The process of bailing a loved one or friend out of jail is not the most straight-forward thing. So here is a brief explanation of bail terms and an explanation of the bail bond process.
What Are Bail Bonds And How Do They Work?
A bail bond is a contract between the accused, their consignee, and the bail bond company. It is to offer the court assurance that the defendant will show up at assigned court dates. In return the accused is free to go home, go to work, be with their family, and prepare their defense as they await trial.
What If The Accused Can’t Afford The Bail Amount?
This is where bail bond companies step in. They function as a guarantor between the accused and the court. In exchange for a fee, the bail bond company guarantees the full amount of the bail. If the accused fails to appear before the court, the bondsman can be ordered to pay the full bail amount.
Important Terms To Know
- Bond Premium
A bond premium is the payment to the bail bond company for their services. In the state of Utah this is 10% of the total bail amount, so if bail is set at $10,000 the bound fee would be $1,000. - Bail Conditions
Bail Conditions are terms set by the court to make sure the defendant will be present at assigned court dates. Examples of this may include agreeing to forfeit their passport, have continued employment, and other conditions as the court sees fit. - Bail Bonds
A bail bond is the combined agreement allowing the accused to be released from custody. - Bond
A bond is the contract that insures the accused will show up to assigned court dates. If you can afford the whole payment of the set bail you can pay it directly to the court. If you cannot you can have a bail bondsmen act as your guarantor. - Bail
Bail is an amount of money set by the court that insures the accused will show up for trial. If the accused fails to appear before the court, the court may order the forfeiture of the full bail amount. - Collateral
Collateral is the property or other means of value that will be forfeited by the accused and/or consignee if the accused fails to meet the conditions of their bond agreement. This acts as an assurance to the bondsman that the full bail amount can be covered, if needs be. - Defendant
A defendant, or the accused, is the person who has been accused of criminal wrong-doing. - Forfeiture
If the defendant does not show up at the assigned court date, the court will notify the bond company and set a second date. If the accused again fails to show up for their assigned date the court will often times order the payment of the full bail amount from the bail bond company. Sometimes a bail bond company will hire a fugitive recovery agent – also known as a Bounty Hunter – to track the defendant so it can avoid this financial loss. - Indemnitor
An indemnitor is a consignee on the bond who also insures the defendant will be present for trial. As consignee, they will be held accountable for the full bail and legal expenses of the trial if the defendant fails to show up for trial.
Let Bad Boys Bail You Out
We are there for you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, with bail services across the state of Utah. We are a family-owned company who treat you and your loved one with dignity and respect. No one will be quicker at getting your friend or family member out of jail and back to you. If you’re in need of a bail bond, contact us online today, or call Call (801) 566-1108.
