What is bail?

Upon the understanding that a suspect will return for trial, a cash deposit or pledge is made to a court in order to persuade it to release a suspect from jail.

How is bail determined?

After an inmate has been fully booked, a bail amount will be determined by a judge or magistrate who considers factors such as the nature and seriousness of charges, the defendants’s character, and the weight of the evidence.

What is a bail bond?

A bail bond is a financial guarantee between the bail bond a company, the courts, and an indemnitor (co-signer) to the court to ensure the appearance of the defendant at all required court hearings. Failure of the defendant to comply with the conditions of the court could result in warrants issued and bail bonds forfeited.

What information do I need before I contact a bail agent?

The more information you have, the better. Try to find out: the defendant’s full name and booking number, where they are in custody (city, state, and the name of jail), and how much is the bail. If you do not have all of this information, your bail agent will be able to find it out for you.

What do I need to bond someone out of jail?

You will need the fee, a cosigner, and possibly some form of collateral. Acceptable forms of payment are typically cash or credit card, but Pay Pal, check, and payment plans are sometimes accepted.

What is collateral?

Sometimes the bail agent will require collateral (money, property, cars, stocks, bonds, jewelry, or anything of value) to secure the guarantee of the bond and ensure the defendant’s appearance in court.

When do I get my collateral back?

Upon discharge, exoneration, or complete resolution of the defendant’s case and payment of all premiums in full, the collateral is returned to the indemnitor.

How much do bail bonds cost?

The fee for a bail bond is normally restricted by law and is a certain percentage of the bond amount. In Georgia, the fee for a bail bond is 15% of the bond amount. For example, if the full bail amount is $10,000, the premium (fee) for the bail bond is $1,000. These fees are established by the surety companies and regulated by the Department of Insurance.

Who is liable for the bail bond?

The indemnitor (co-signer) is the person, usually a friend or family member of the defendant, who takes financial responsibility for the bail bond if the accused fails to appear in court.

How long does it take to be released from jail?

Release times vary between jails, some taking as little as thirty minutes and some taking as long as forty-eight hours, but often once a bail agent has been contacted, it takes less than an hour for the paperwork to be completed.