Bail is the amount of money determined by the court to ensure the return of the defendant to any future court dates. The full amount of bail can be brought to the court or to jail in the form of cash. This will secure the release of the defendant. Upon the defendant returning to all their court dates, the full amount will be returned.
A bail bond can be used to secure the release of the defendant in lieu of cash. For the service, Angie's Bail Bonds charges a 10 percent nonrefundable fee. The full amount of the bail is often secured with some form of collateral. According to state law, this collateral is always 100 percent returned when the defendant makes all of their court appearances.
A bail amount is set by the local court jurisdiction following the arrest of a defendant. A family member, a close friend, or sometimes the defendant themselves will contact a bail agent to arrange for the posting of the bail bond.
The family member or friend who guarantees the bond is also known as the indemnitor, cosigner or guarantor. They will complete all necessary paperwork and pay the premium, which is nonrefundable and is usually 10% of the bond amount. By signing the paperwork, the indemnitor is guaranteeing that they will pay the full amount of the bond if the defendant fails to appear in court. Please note, that the premium is nonrefundable. Collateral is also typically taken from the indemnitor to secure this guarantee.
This is the person who agrees to indemnify the court and bail agency against a loss.
Generally, collateral is returned to the defendant upon discharge or exoneration of the bail bond.