Most states have regulations on how much bail bondsmen can charge. This keeps the fees relatively consistent across companies.
However, many factors can increase or decrease the cost of a bond. Some examples include:Bail is meant to ensure that people show up for their court dates. However, studies have shown that bail has little impact on court attendance.Costs in CashWhen someone gets arrested for a crime, it is often hard to get enough money together to pay the full amount of their bond in cash. This is because bail amounts are hefty, and many people don’t have this money.To secure a bail bond, loved ones must pay a non-refundable fee to a private company called a bail bondsman, which is set by law as a percentage of the total bail amount. However, this is much more affordable than paying the full bond in cash. It allows the accused to continue living their life – working, taking care of kids or other responsibilities, and staying on top of their case.Mercer county bail bonds also ensure that the defendant does not miss their court dates, and this is because a bail bond agent will call them and remind them before each one. This is something that the judge would not do if they were releasing the defendant on their bail.Costs in CollateralSometimes, a judge may feel that more than a written promise of appearance is insufficient and require the accused to pay in collateral instead. Collateral is usually something of high value, like a property, car, or jewelry, and can be used to compensate the court for the bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court.When collateral is involved, the person putting it up must act as an indemnitor and be someone you trust. They also must be able to prove ownership through a deed or other documents and make sure that the property is free from any other mortgages, debts, or liens.Bail bond companies often prefer that family members or friends put up the collateral for a defendant’s bond because they are less likely to skip out on court dates. They must also check in with the company periodically and call the defendant before each court date to ensure they are there.Costs in TimeRegardless of what type of bond you use, it will require a certain amount of money from the accused person’s loved ones. The bond agent will collect this money and ask for collateral (typically a property, vehicle, or piece of jewelry) that they will keep until the end of the case.The court typically sets bail amounts based on the severity of the crime, the accused person’s criminal history, and how much of a flight risk they are considered to be. However, the courts can still use their discretion and vary these numbers.The purpose of bail is to allow a defendant to continue working, going to school, taking care of children and family members, and carrying out their daily lives while awaiting their court date. This is not possible if they have to remain in jail. Using a bail bond is the most practical solution for these circumstances. But it comes with a cost in terms of time and money.Costs in MoneyThe most straightforward method of paying for bail is to give the courts a cash deposit. However, many people do not have that much money, especially when the court has yet to rule on their case. In addition, they might not want to risk their property to stay out of jail.The judge who sets bail amounts also considers the defendant’s financial situation when determining what to set as their bond. Those who are wealthy or who have significant assets will typically be given higher bail amounts than those with less money to spare.Fortunately, there are several other options for those who do not have the cash to pay for their bail or the bail of a loved one. For example, some bail bond companies accept credit card payments. However, these fees can add up, and it is important to understand the terms and conditions of any such arrangement.
