Bail Bond Frequently Asked Questions In Palm Beach County, Fl
If you or someone you know has been arrested, you are most likely overwhelmed with stress and questions on what to do. The first priority is to properly secure the release from jail. We at Tommy Richards Bail Bonds have been helping people just like you for over 30 years. Below is a list of some common questions and answers that you may have.
Q. What is the reason the court requires money or property before releasing the accused?
Bail, which is a set amount of money or property determined by the judge before a person is released from custody while they are awaiting trial, acts as a guarantee the accused person will appear in court for their trial date. If the accused does not appear in court, the court demands the full amount of the bond and issues a bench warrant for the defendant.
Q. What are the advantages of obtaining a bail bond from a bondsman rather than use cash to secure the release?
Although it might seem simpler to use your own funds to post bail, you need to remember you will not have access to these funds until months after the trial concludes. The amount of the total bail can be substantial. A bondsman can easily assist you no matter what time of day and provide the neccesary amount for bail. Depending on your situation there can be additional cost to consider with legal defense.
Q. How does a bail bond process work?
A bail bond is essentially a contractual arrangement between the accused and a bail bondsman. The contract outlines the terms under which the accused pays a small portion of the bail amount cost, typically 10 percent for state bonds and 15% for federal bonds. The bail bond company will put up the entire amount in bond form and provide assurance to the court the accused will appear in court on his or her trial date.
Q. What happens if I do not keep the terms of my bail contract?
If you fail to appear in court, the bail bonding agency loses the money they posted for your bail. The judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest and the bail bondsman will employ bail enforcement agents, also called bounty hunters, to help locate you and bring you in to appear before the court. This is the procedure that prevents the bail bonding agency from forfeiting the money they posted for your release.
Q. If I decide to post a cash bond, will my money be returned to me?
After your trial has concluded, you will receive your bail money back usually within 60 to 90 days. In the event you are required to pay any fines or court costs, these will be deducted from your bail refund first. Cash bonds are posted directly at the jail.
Q. Who sets the bond fee amount?
Bail bond fees are regulated by the state of florida and the judge will determine the amount. There are different fees for State Bail Bonds and for Federal Bail Bonds. Each bond is treated individually.
Q. Does it make a difference which bail bondsman company I decide to use?
Since dealing with the legal system is complex, choosing the right bail bondsman is an important decision to make. When hiring a bail agent you need to work with a professional bondsman who has the experience and knowledge of all situations. A good bail bondsman should be able to answer all of your questions and has local knowledge. Tommy Richards has been helping people in need of bail bonds services for over 30 years. He is available 24/7 and is conveniently located across the street from the Palm Beach County Jail. Tommy Richards can post a speedy bail to have you released quickly. With Tommy Richards Bail Bonds there is no need to worry. Contact us today.