How do you get a revoked bail bond reinstated?
If a bond has been formally revoked by the judge, you can call the jail to see if there is a new (probably higher) bond set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to cosign for a bail bond?
The bail agent rarely knows his client, so the agent often asks for someone who knows the client to co-sign on a bond, much as a bank would ask for a co-signer on a loan.
If I turned in the criminal I cosigned for, do I still pay the bail bond?
The full amount of the bond, no. Any part of the 10% fee still owed, yes.
Does cosigning a surety type bail bond affect my FICO score?
Under some circumstances, defaulting on payments can affect the FICO score.
If I signed my son's bail bond and he is arrested again, am I responsible?
If you signed to guarantee payments, the answer is yes.
Can a co-signer on a bail bond be arrested if no payment is made?
No, but that person can be sued.
If I bail someone out of jail can I get the money back at any time?
The money is the fee you have paid to get the person out of jail.
Can a person already on probation get a bail bond to bail out a friend?
A person on probation is probably not forbidden from hiring a bail agent to bond a friend out of jail. Check with your probation officer first.
Why must an accused person post bail?
Because a judge has determined that there needs to be a monetary amount pledged to the court to guarantee that arrested person's appearance at future court appearances.
When I post bail will I get my money back?
If you put up the full amount of the bail with the court, you will get back all or part of that money when the case is over. If you pay a bail agent to post a bond, you will not get that money back.
What is a surety bail bond agent?
A person licensed by the state of Florida to post bail bonds in the State of Florida.
How do I find out if someone has posted bail?
You can call the jail booking number or call the clerk of court and ask them.
What is the difference between a secured and an unsecured bail bond?
A secured bail bond is one where the bail agent takes something for collateral from a family member or friend, or sometimes from the person in jail.
Who can post bail?
A cash bond can be paid by anyone at the jail. A bail bond must be posted by a licensed bail agent.
How does a bail bond company make money?
The bail bond company makes money by collecting a 10 percent fee for posting a bond, and it tries to not lose money by writing bonds on people who flee.
Can you post bail on the weekend?
A bail bond can be posted in most Florida counties seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
What happens to the money when you post bail?
When a person posts a bond in full with cash, most of this money is returned to the depositor when the case is over.
Can a bond be written over the phone?
Much of the paperwork can be done over the phone by utilizing fax and email.
Do you get bond money back?
If you post the full amount of the bail with the court - that is, if you provide cash as collateral without using a bail bondsman - you usually get most of that money back when the court case has concluded.
What if I can not afford to post bail?
It depends on the bail amount set by the judge.
What is the difference between cash bail and bond?
Cash bail is the amount of money needed to secure the release of an arrested person. This amount can be paid in cash or in the form of a bond posted by a bail bondsman in Florida.
How do I find out someone's bail bond?
To find out an arrested person's bond amount, you can call the jail they are in (ask for booking), or you can see if the jail has an inmate lookup page on its web site.
What is the difference between bail and bond?
Bail is the monetary amount set by a judge. A bond is what the bail bondsman puts up with the court to secure the release of the arrested person.
What happens when you post bail for someone?
A Florida bail bondsman will put up the full amount of the bond with the court, and in return, is paid a 10% (nonrefundable) fee for doing so. The bondsman then ensures the court that the defendant will be at every court hearing until the case is over.
What is the bail bond law a person should know?
A person cannot be returned to jail for not paying the bondsman all the money due on the bond.
What exactly does a bail bondsman do?
When a bondsman writes a bond, he is promising the courts that he ensures the defendant's presence at every required court appearance.
What options do I have if the judge sets a cash or surety bond?
There are several options, including staying in jail or getting out on bond.
When is collateral returned?
If collateral is taken for the bail bond, it must be returned to the indemnitor within 21 days after the bail bond has been discharged in writing by the court.
Can I still post a bail bond if I am not local to the area?
Yes. It may not be necessary for you to come down to the bail bonds office go through the procedures.
How long does the Bail Bond process take?
On the average the bond process takes between 2 and 8 hours depending on the county and the case load.
Will I need collateral to post a bail bond?
When posting a bail bond, you will always put up some type of collateral.
How much is it to post a bail bond?
Depending on what type of bail bond you are posting, the bond premium may change; typically, the state or county premium is 10% of the bail bond.
Why should I use a bail bondsman instead of paying the cash bond?
Using a bondsman is typically the fastest and easiest way to get someone out of jail. Plus, by using a bondsman, it will require the least amount of money up front.
How do I start the Florida bail bond process?
The best way to start a bail bond in Florida is to find out a few things about the defendant, then call a licensed bail bondsmen to take it from there.