What is Bail and How Does It Work
Posting of a bail bond in connection with a misdemeanor or felony criminal case such as DUI,
Domestic Violence, Drug Offenses, Sex Crimes and Murder involves a contract guaranteed by a licensed, bonded and insured bail bondsman and the person posting bail. The bail agent guarantees to the court that the person charged with the misdemeanor or felony will appear in court each time the court requires them to appear. The person is charged a percentage of the bail amount. Before being released from jail the person or a relative of the person or a friend contacts a bail agent to arrange for posting of bail. Prior to the posting of a bail bond, the person charged or a co-signer must guarantee that they will pay the full amount of bail if the person charged does not appear in court. In most instances, a family member or a close friend or relative of the person charged will post bail and cosign. Collateral for the bond is not always required. Cosigners generally need to be working for some time or own or rent a home for some period of time. Once an agreement is reached, the bail bondsman posts the bond for the amount of bail to guarantee the charged person's return to court.
If you have been arrested or charged with a misdemeanor or felony contact Christine McGuire, The Santa Cruz Criminal Defense Attorney