How Does The Bail Bond System Work? An Overview


The police may arrest any person on suspicion of breaking the law of the land. After gathering the necessary evidence, they prepare the charge sheet against the offender. During this period, they inform the individual of his/her rights and remand him/her in custody. The defendant remains in jail until he/she awaits trial in court. Prominent legal experts say being behind bars is a stressful experience for most people. It takes a very heavy toll on their mental and physical health. The first thought that goes through their minds is how to get off this place. All they want to do is prove their innocence before the judge and jury. Fortunately, they can do so by posting a bail bond.

How can a person accused of a crime post a bail bond?

The professionals explain most people have a vague idea of what a bail bond is. It refers to the money which a defendant has to deposit with the court. The judge presiding over his/her case determines the amount he/she has to pay. This individual will in due course get the cash back once he/she appears for trial. If he/she fails to do, the person conducting the hearing has a right to forfeit it. Every state in America has its own system for posting a bail bond. It can be done by the guilty persons himself/herself or through a legal expert. The process involves the following three important steps:

  1. Understanding the basic rules of posting a bail bond

In simple terms, a bail refers to a promise which the defendant makes before the judge. This individual gives his/her word to appear in court for his/her trial on a specific date. It is possible that he/she cannot deposit this money himself/herself. Bail bonds Columbus Castle experts say that in this case he/she may request a relative or friend to do so. They are known as a surety.

  1. Await the judge’s announcement for the bail amount

The judge conducting the preliminary hearing determines how much a defendant has to pay for his/her bail. In doing so, he/she takes into account many factors. These include the criminal history of this person and the severity of his/her offense. On top of this, the judge has to assess whether the individual is a threat to the public. Generally, he/she sets a very high amount. This is to dissuade the guilty individual from forfeiting this money and abscond.

  1. Posting the bail money

The judge sets a date for the next hearing after announcing the bail amount of the defendant. This individual then has to proceed to deposit this money with the court clerk. He/she needs to do so during the normal business hours or after the preliminary hearing. He/she then gets a receipt for this amount. He/she need t keep it safely till trial begins.

A person accused of committing an offense can get a temporary bail. He/she just needs to follow the above three important steps. However, he/she needs to appear before the judge for his/her trial. Otherwise, the court can forfeit the amount he/she pays. The person conducting the proceedings also issues an arrest warrant against the defendant. This is the last thing this individual needs.