04 Sep Understanding The Different Types Of Bail
Cash Bond
- Defendant pays the whole bail amount in cash to the court
- Full amount must be paid before the defendant can leave jail
- Will be refunded if defendant makes all court appearances and meets any other conditions and requirements of release
- Most often used when judge considers defendant a flight risk or a danger to the public
Bail Bond or Surety Bond
- Used when the defendant is unable to pay the full bail amount by themselves
- A bail bond company and agent gets involved, charging the defendant a premium, 10% of the full bail amount
- The bail agent becomes responsible for the defendant
- If the defendant does not appear in court, or they do not pay the bail agent, more serious consequences will occur
Property Bond
- Personal possessions and valuables are pledged to secure bail payment
- Items are often cars, homes, jewelry, but they must be items that are completely owned by the person pledging it; they cannot still be making payments on these property items
- Property will be released back to the owner if the defendant meets all court appearances and other conditions
Immigration Bond
- Very similar to a bail bond
- For immigrants held by federal immigration