Getting arrested in Dallas is no picnic, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal system and how to get a bail bond. Fortunately, a Dallas bondsman can help you and your family members navigate the ins and outs of a first-time bail bond application.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are attempting to claim a bail bond for the first time, get a head start on your bail application by understanding these 7 bail bond terms.
1. Bail Bond
When someone is arrested, it’s likely that a judge will grant them bail. If the bail is paid, the defendant is “free” from jail until their actual hearings start in the courts down the line.
While many people rely on savings and cash bail to get themselves out of jail, the out-of-pocket costs can be an expense. A bail bond is a great way to save money on paying bail without risking a lot of your money upfront.
When you pay for a bail bond, the bondsman will front the money for your bail to the courts and the defendant is released under specific bail conditions (which we’ll cover later).
2. Bail Bond Premium
Bail bond premiums are what make a bond the affordable way to make bail. A premium is typically ten percent of the cost of the bail. For example, if your bail amount was $2,000, your bail bond premium to the bondsman would only be $200.
The premium isn’t refundable after all court appearances, but, as long as you follow all bail conditions, it does prevent you from having to pay the total bail amount.
3. Licensed Bondsman
A licensed bondsman is the only type of bail bondsman you should ever work with. We know the legal system like the back of our hands and can help you understand the arrest and bail bond process from start to finish.
Put your fate in the hands of a licensed bondsman and make your premium worth the investment.
4. Bail Schedule
Bail amounts aren’t pulled out of thin air. A court follows a prescribed bail schedule that allows them to fairly appoint a bail amount based on the crime. Keep in mind, the severity of the crime and the judge themselves can either increase or decrease the granted amount of bail. A bail schedule is merely a place where a judge can start the bail process.
5. Collateral
In some bail bond agreements, collateral is used to ensure the payment of the bond if the defendant skips town or fails to meet their bail obligations. Collateral outside of a cash agreement is rarely used, but can sometimes be cars, real estate, or any other piece of property that could cover the bail amount if the contract goes sour.
6. Bail Bond Conditions
From check-ins with your bondsman to being on-time and present at all of your court proceedings, meeting bail bond conditions is essential to maintaining the integrity of your bail bond.
Failure to meet your conditions outlined in your contract and through the courts often results in the revocation of your bail bond, a warrant for your arrest, and an expensive repayment plan for the bail bond’s co-signer.
7. Indemnitor
An Indemnitor is a person that signed the bail bond for the defendant. The Indemnitor is responsible for paying back the full bail amount in the case that a defendant fails to meet their bail bond conditions.
Co-signing for a bail bond is a massive responsibility. It’s always recommended that a potential Indemnitor has a deep relationship with a defendant before putting their finances on the line for them.
Understand the Terms of Your Bail Bond with 1st Call Bail Bonds
1st Call Bail Bonds is Dallas’ first choice for reliable, fast bail bonds. Our locations are open 24/7 and will help pay for bail at any cost.
Don’t leave your loved ones in jail any longer than they need to be. Contact us today to get the bail bond process started.
