Do you enjoy watching television shows about true crime, lawyers, or detectives? If so, then you’re probably familiar with the concept of bail. Bail is a monetary amount that allows the defendant to be released from jail but also is meant to ensure that he doesn’t leave town to avoid the trial.

But what is a bail bond? Find out below.

What Is a Bail Bond? 5 Things To Know

If your friend or relative has been arrested and needs to post bail, you will want to secure the services of a bail bondsman. Before you do that, it’s a good idea to understand exactly what a bail bond is.

1. Bail Is Usually a High Dollar Amount

When someone is arrested and accused of a crime, they can either post bail, stay in jail as they await their trial, or use the services of a bail bondsman. In many cases, the defendant won’t be able to post bail, because the judge has set it at a very high dollar amount.

An affordable bail amount would make it easier for the defendant to “skip” or “jump” bail — that is, to forego the money and get the heck out of dodge to avoid serving time. Naturally, that’s a scenario the courts wish to avoid.

2. Bail (and Bail Bonds) Ease the Burden on the Jail System

Despite the fact that crime rates have been declining, jails in the United States are full to overflowing. The overcrowding of America’s jails puts a serious burden on taxpayers, but it also affects the quality of life for anyone who is in jail awaiting their trial.

Allowing people who have been accused of a crime to get out of jail until their trial date helps ease the burden of overcrowding. This is where bail bonds agencies, like this company, come in.

3. Bail Bonds Are Like Insurance

A bail bondsman will usually accept 10% of the bail amount, as well as collateral, in exchange for posting bail. They are responsible for full amount of bail to the courts. If the accused doesn’t show up for trial, the bail bond agency must pay.

Let’s say bail is set at $20,000. The accused can get out of jail by paying $2,000 to the bail bondsman. Usually, the bond agent will request collateral, as well. This can be the title to a home or car or some other valuable item.

4. Bail Bondsmen May Hire Enforcement Agents

What happens if a person puts up bail through a bail bond agency, but still skips town? The bail bond company may then use the services of bail enforcement agents, also known as bounty hunters. They will arrest the bail jumper and return them to the court to stand trial. Additional fees are levied on bail jumpers, as well.

5. It’s a Business Like Any Other

You may think of bail bonds as a shady part of the criminal underworld, but in fact it’s a business like any other insurance company. They must have extensive knowledge of finance, criminal law, and contract law. Bail bondsmen are also licensed and regulated at the state and/or federal level.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know the answer to the question “what is a bail bond,” you are prepared in the event that your loved one is arrested. If that happens, contact a bail bondsman.

Whether the arrest was for a drug-related crime, a robbery, kidnapping, rape, or any other criminal offense, bail bonds can help free your family member until trial.