Bail bonds are how people secure their release from jail. These are usually issued by a bail bondsman, who pledges their property as the surety for releasing a person in prison.

Pretrial release

Pretrial release is the term used to describe the period between an arrest and the trial of a defendant. Often, this period includes the use of bail. Bail bonds Harrisburg, PA are financial guarantees that a person will appear in court. There are many different types of bail. Some jurisdictions use a set bail schedule, while others rely on individual pretrial release approaches. Both of these approaches work in tandem to ensure that a defendant appears in court and that the public is safe. Usually, a defendant will be released from jail upon signing a bond. This allows the defendant to live outside the prison and continue working. The judge usually determines the bond amount. A bondsman puts up the money for the total amount of the bond. If the defendant is released, the bondsman is reimbursed for the money.

Flight risk

To determine the amount of bail a defendant will need to get out of jail, a judge will have to choose the person’s flight risk. The judge will use a variety of factors to make this determination. These include a defendant’s family ties, employment, and other factors. The judge may even go so far as to deny bail altogether. This is because the court wants to keep the flight risk in the area for the trial. If the defendant does not appear, the court will likely sell his property to pay off the bail. The amount of bail the judge is willing to pay to recoup the costs of his nonappearance may be less than what the incarcerated individual will spend in a lifetime of incarceration.

Collateral required

To secure the release of a person from jail, a bail bonds company may require collateral. Collateral can be anything of value, such as a vehicle, a home, or a credit card. The bail bonds company will need to ensure that the property submitted as collateral is free of liens and has enough equity to cover the bond. This is an excellent reason to work with an experienced bail bonds agent. Most collateral used for bail bonds is real estate. This is the most common type of collateral and will usually be accepted by most bail bond agents. However, a deed to the property must be submitted, and you may be required to get a title search or appraisal done. Some defendants are not able to raise bail money. They may need a cosigner on the bond. These individuals can provide collateral, such as jewelry, stocks, and weapons.

Precautions

When using a bail bond to escape a sticky situation, it pays to be aware of the risks involved. In particular, you should research before paying a premium to a company specializing in such services. This includes checking to see if the defendant has left town or is in the custody of a local prosecutor. The latter could scuttle your chances of securing a pardon from the courthouse doorman. Similarly, keep up with court calendars and schedules to avoid a slap on the wrist. In terms of the actual costs, the price of a bail bond varies from state to state, but it should only cost you a few hundred dollars. Some jurisdictions may assign bail immediately after booking, which could leave you with a short wait for your hearing.