Criminal defendants who need help bailing out of jail often turn to bail bond agents. These agents post bail on behalf of defendants for a fee. For cash-strapped defendants, bail bond agents are a great resource.
Here’s what criminal defendants need to know about the bail bonds process in Mansfield.
The Defendant Calls the Bail Bond Agent
Once the judge sets the defendant’s bail amount, the defendant can then seek out help from a bail bond agent. The agent needs to know the exact amount. Incorrect information can delay the release process.
The Bail Bond Agent Acts as a Surety
When the agent posts the bail, they become a surety. This means that they promise to assume the full amount of the bond, should the criminal defendant skip bail and not appear for court appearances.
The Agent Doesn’t Pay the Full Bail Amount
Instead, what happens is they charge a fee of 10%-15% and put up that amount for the defendant’s release. For example, if bail is set at $20,000 and the agent charges a 10% fee, they’ll put $2,000 toward the defendant’s release and promise to act as surety on the defendant’s behalf.
Defendants Must Put Up Collateral
Although most bail bond agents don’t run credit checks, they do require collateral that can cover the full amount of bail, should the defendant fail to appear in court. Common collateral items include cars, homes, jewelry, etc.
The bail bonds process in Mansfield is straightforward, but it’s important that criminal defendants understand their obligations. To learn more, contact Vaughn’s Cowtown Bail Bonds.
