Imagine this: It’s late at night and you get a call from a loved one. They’ve been arrested and you have no idea what to do. As you start to figure things out you’re hit with terms like “bail”, “bond” and “collateral”. In moments like these understanding the bail bondsman Durham process is key not only to help your loved one but to navigate the legal system with ease. This article will walk you through the bail bond terminology, explaining the basics in simple terms.
JC Bail Bonds knows how crazy this can be. That’s why we’re here to help you find the best bail bonds agency to make this as painless as possible. Let’s get started with the glossary that will give you the info you need.
Bail Bond Glossary
· Bail
Bail is the amount of money the court sets that a defendant must pay to get out of jail while waiting for trial. It’s a financial guarantee the defendant will show up in court on their scheduled date. If the defendant does show up in court as required the bail amount is usually refunded minus any fees or charges.
· Bond
A bond is a financial instrument used to get a defendant out of jail. Unlike bail where the full amount is paid directly, a bond involves a third party (usually a bail bondsman) who guarantees the court the defendant will show up. The bail bondsman charges a non-refundable fee, usually 10% of the bail amount, to post the bond.
· Bail Bondsman
A bail raleigh bondsman is a licensed agent who posts the bond to get the defendant out. They charge a fee, usually 10% of the bail amount, for their services. If the defendant doesn’t show up in court the bail bondsman is responsible for paying the full bail amount to the court.
· Collateral
Collateral is property or assets the defendant or their family puts up as security for the bond. If the defendant doesn’t show up in court the collateral may be forfeited. JC Bail Bonds will explain what can be used as collateral so you’re fully informed before you make a decision.
· Indemnitor
An indemnitor is someone who signs the bond agreement and is responsible for making sure the defendant shows up in court. The indemnitor may also be required to put up collateral for the bond.
· Forfeiture
Forfeiture happens when a defendant doesn’t show up to court and the bail is lost. If a bond was used, the bail bondsman will take legal action to get the money back from the defendant or the indemnitor.
· Exoneration
Exoneration is the release of the bail bond. This happens when the defendant makes all court appearances and the case is closed. The bond is then discharged and collateral is returned.
· Premium
The premium is the non refundable fee paid to the bail bondsman for their services. This fee is usually a percentage of the total bail amount, 10% is common.
· Skip Tracing
Skip tracing is the process used by bail bondsmen to find a defendant who doesn’t show up to court. This may involve investigation, surveillance and other means to find and bring the defendant back in.
· Bench Warrant
A bench warrant is an arrest warrant issued by a judge when a defendant doesn’t show up to court. This warrant allows law enforcement to arrest the defendant and bring them to court.
How JC Bail Bonds Can Help You
The legal system can be confusing, especially when you don’t know the lingo. At JC Bail Bonds we’re not just a service, we’re your partner in this wild ride. Our team will help you understand every step of the process, from finding the best bail bond options to using collateral. We’ll help you find the right bail bonds agency for you, we’ll give you expert advice and care.
First time arrest or complex situation, JC Bail Bonds can help you with ease.
Conclusion: Be Informed
Knowing bail bond terminology is more than just knowing the lingo; it’s being empowered to make decisions when you need it most. By knowing the terms and definitions you’ll be better prepared to get a bail bond for yourself or a loved one.
We’ll help you find the right bail bonds agency and be with you every step of the way. Are you ready to get started?
