The purpose of bail bonds is to help defendants get out of jail while awaiting trial. This allows them to continue their daily responsibilities and support their families. It also enables them to collaborate with their defense attorney and prepare for their case. Two types of bonds are available: property and surety. The main difference is who pays for the bond and takes the risk.
They Help People Who Cannot Afford To Pay The Full Bail Amount.
Bail bonds allow people to stay out of jail while they await their trial, which can be important for their employment, family, and personal life. However, bail can be costly, and some people cannot afford to pay the full amount. Those who do not can be jailed until their case is resolved.
Fortunately, bail bonds Chester County, PA, can help by offering a percentage of the total bail amount, which is typically only 10% of the total bail amount. In exchange, the defendant must sign a contract promising to appear at all required court dates.
This agreement acts as a kind of deposit and is returned to the defendant when they finish their court requirements (minus any court fees). This option is much more affordable than paying the full amount upfront, which is not feasible for many people. Bail bond companies also offer flexible payment arrangements. This allows individuals to remain in their jobs and care for their families while preparing for a strong defense.
They Help People Who Are At Risk Of Flight.
When a judge decides that a person poses a significant flight risk, they often require a bail bond. A bail bond is a contract between the defendant and the bondsman, in which the latter pays a fee (typically 10% or less of the total bond amount) to guarantee that the accused person will attend all court hearings. In some cases, the bondsman may also ask loved ones to pledge collateral in addition to the fee.
Defendants must attend all pretrial hearings to avoid being charged with additional crimes or revoking their bail bond. If they do not, they will be taken back to jail and face serious consequences.
Getting bailed out of jail allows the accused to see their family, attend AA meetings, or seek support from a mental health counselor. In addition, they can get a job and manage their finances before they come to trial. However, being stuck in a detention center is not ideal for anyone’s mental and physical health.
They Help People Who Are A Danger To The Community.
Bail bonds are a crucial part of the legal system, allowing individuals to stay out of jail while their case is litigated. This helps uphold the principle of innocent until proven guilty and prevents premature curtailment of personal freedom. They also help avoid the inherent punishment of being held in jail and support community safety.
However, most defendants do not have the money to post bail alone. In these cases, a bail bond agency will pay the court on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a non-refundable fee. In addition, the defendant will often have to put up valuable assets as collateral.
This system ensures that people who pose a threat to the community are kept in custody, and those who do not are released. It is a fairer alternative to wealth-based detention and reinforces that the law should be accessible for all, regardless of financial standing.
They Help People Who Are A Danger To Themselves.
Defendants who cannot afford cash bail can contact a bondsman to post an insurance company bond. This requires a fee (always 10% or less of the total) to a private company and often also a promise that loved ones will pledge property as collateral. These fees are non-refundable, but the companies that back these bonds have suffered nearly zero losses compared to other industries with similar loss rates.
Judges have broad discretion to set bail by assessing a defendant’s history, ties to the community, employment status, and the severity of the charge against them. However, in practice, many judges fail to consider that bail poses an undue burden on defendants and their families. This may be why many states are replacing or reforming their cash bail systems. Some are even experimenting with eliminating cash bail. This is not without risk, but reducing prison overcrowding and improving public safety may be necessary.