The bail bond process in Dallas is one that at its core is simple and effective. However, in the heat of the moment, a family member or defendant may be too caught up to truly understand some of the terms that get thrown around during a bail bond application.
At 1st Call Bail Bonds, we like to ensure that all of our clients truly understand the bail process as a whole. However, in order to expedite the process and get loved ones reunited as soon as possible, it never hurts to understand these four terms before going into an application.
Bail Bond Conditions
Aside from the cost of a bail bond, these aren’t direct tickets to the free world. Anyone who is released from jail with a bail bond is held to specific bail bond conditions. Two of the biggest ones that never change are checking in with your bondsman at scheduled time each week, and showing up to your court dates.
Other typical conditions of a bail bond include:
- Not leaving town
- Remaining civil while out on bail
- Attending any other required duties like rehab or AA meetings
Failure to follow the set conditions will result in the forfeiture of your bond, leading to another trip back behind a jail cell; but we’ll get to that later.
Co-Signer
Also known as an indemnitor, the co-signer is the person who essentially pays for your bail bond and vouches to your bondsman that you’ll comply with the required conditions of the bail bond.
Keep in mind, these people put their money and good will on the line. So should your bond be forfeited, they will be held responsible for paying the bail bond company back.
Another fact about this term is that should you prove that you aren’t ready to wait outside of a cell for your hearing, the indemnitor can start the process of removing their responsibility from your bail bond, leaving you on the hook for any liabilities.
Bail Bond Premium
This is how much your bail bond initially costs. In Texas, that is ten percent of the bail assigned by the courts. So, for an example, if your bail is set at $5,000, a bail bond would cost $500, so long as your bail conditions are successfully met.
Bench Warrant
When you skip bail or otherwise, fail to attend your court hearing, the courts will not only forfeit the bond, causing the full amount to be paid by you to the bondsman, but they will also issue a warrant for your arrest. This bench warrant essentially brings you back to jail, invalidates the former bail bond, and prevents you from being able to get a bail bond for this arrest.
Trust 1st Call Bail Bonds to Help You Understand the Bail Bond Process
The bail bond process is very straightforward, but at 1st Call Bail Bonds, we know how confusing it can seem for a first time client. Our bondsmen are always available to help our clients with any questions they may have about the different steps of the bail bond process.
If you know you’re in need of a bail bond in Dallas, reach out to us today! We are open 24/7 and will be able to help you with any case, regardless of the crime or bail amount.
