How Bail Works
The bail system was created to allow those accused of less severe offenses to remain free until their appointed court date. Once bail is set, the entire amount must be recovered by the court before the arrestee can be released. Bail amounts vary widely, depending upon the jurisdiction, the nature of the offense, and the likelihood that the defendant will meet their appointed court date. Generally, less severe offenses are accompanied by lower bail amounts, but quickly raising even $5,000 or $10,000 in cash is beyond the ability of many families. You can also use property—such as jewelry or a car—to secure bail. This is a property or collateral bond. Typically the court would hold the pink slip (in the case of a car) or the item itself (in the case of jewelry) until the case is resolved. The catch: if the arrestee misses any court dates, that property can be seized.
How a Bail Bondsman Can Help
Fortunately the bail bonds system provides a way for everyday people to secure bail without raising large amounts of cash or putting up the pink slip on the family car. Under the bail bonds system, you put up a fraction of the total cost, usually about 10%, and the bondsman puts up the other 90%. So to raise $5,000 bail, you’d only need to pay $500 to the bail bondsman to secure the release of your loved one.
It’s important to remember that the 10% you pay is non-refundable, regardless of the trial outcome—even if all charges are dropped. The money goes to covering the bondsman’s business expenses and overhead, as well as their expenses to assure that the arrestee makes all appointed court appearances.
Another advantage of working with a professional bondsman is that he (or she) is well acquainted with the legal system and can address your questions about the process. This can be helpful and comforting if this is your first encounter with the court system.
The important thing in this entire process is to secure your loved one’s prompt release without enduring significant financial hardship—and that, in essence, is the bail bondsman’s job.
Should you ever find you or a family member in need of a bail bondsman, please call Bond James Bond, Inc. We have 11 locations that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve you quickly.
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Bond, James Bond, Inc. can handle any size or type of Georgia bail bonds in Barrow County, Bartow County, Cherokee County, Clarke County, Cobb County, Floyd County, Gordon County, Gwinnett County, Paulding County and Polk County. We are always open - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. We have 11 locations which are conveniently located to serve you better. Visit us at www.bondjamesbondinc.com, or call Bond, James Bond, Inc. at (770) 382-9111.