Do I get my money back after the case is over?
There are a few exceptions to this but you do
not get your premium back that you paid to the
bonding office. This fee is what allowed the
defendant to get out of jail and is fully earned
once the defendant is out of custody. For example,
if the defendant gets rearrested a week later,
you get neither portion nor a refund of any
money. If the bondsman fails to live up to his
end of the contract, then and only then may
you be entitled to a refund of some kind.
Can I leave the state or country while I am
out on bond?
You will have to get permission from the bonding
office in writing before attempting to do so.
If the court has given you direct instructions
not to leave the state or country you must then
get permission from the bondsmen and the court
before leaving. Otherwise you are subject to
arrest!
What happens if the defendant misses their court
date?
When the defendant misses a court appearance,
a bench warrant is issued for the person's arrest.
The defendant's name is then entered into a
nation wide data base (NCIC) as a fugitive.
The defendant's Bail Agency is obligated by
law to arrest individual as well. This will
cause the indemnator to incur further costs.
What happens if the case goes more than a year?
There is from time to time where a criminal
case may take more then a year, and in this
case a second premium will be owed to keep the
defendant on bond. It may be wise to contact
the attorney and try to get a bail reduction
in the 10 or 11 months of the case in order
to save a costly renewal premium.
What happens if the defendant gets rearrested
while out on bond?
There are remedies that can be done here as
well. Contact the bondsman as soon as possible
so that they can discuss your options in full
detail with you.
What happens if I think the defendant is not
going to show up for court after I have already
posted the bond?
There are remedies that can be done here as
well. Contact the bondsman as soon as possible
so that they can discuss your options in full
detail with you.
Are some bondsmen less expensive than others?
Bondsmen are licensed by the state in which
they practice. State guidelines provide a set
rate. Some bondsmen are licensed to write at
8%, meaning that the cost to you the customer
will be less but there are certain provisions
for this rate.
Can the bail bond agent discount the fees on
the premium?
The surety files a rate with the department
of insurance, which must be changed. Bail is
10% of the bond amount plus an incidental insurance
fee of $10-15. Discount fees can lead to the
suspension or revocation of any agent's bail
license by the department of insurance. There
are companies that legally charge 8% and 15
% under certain circumstances. Always ask to
see a rate chart if you feel that you are being
wrongly charged.
What information should I have before I contact
the bail agent?
