Understanding Felony Bail Bonds and Their Benefits
Posted on: 15 November 2023
When someone is arrested for a felony crime, the first step is to have them booked and then set up for bail. Now, some people believe that getting bail for a felony case is out of reach and impossible. Well, the good news is that with the help of felony bail bonds, the process can be made easier and more accessible.
Felony Bail Bonds Explained:
A felony bail bond is designed to provide financial aid to those charged with a felony crime. When a defendant cannot afford to pay the full bail amount, a criminal defense attorney can help them set up a bail bond. A felony bail bond, therefore, works as a promise that the defendant will show up in court. Instead of paying bail in full, the defendant pays a fraction of the fee as a premium to the bail bond company.
Types of Felony Bail Bonds:
There are two types of felony bail bonds that are commonly used: cash bonds and surety bonds. A cash bond is when the full bail amount is paid upfront; this is often the preferred method for the court as it reduces the risk of the defendant absconding. However, it is not always possible for a defendant who cannot afford to pay the amount in full to opt for a cash bond.
A surety bond is a type of bond where a bail bond company acts as a middleman between the defendant and the court. The defendant pays a portion of the fee, typically a small percentage of the total bail amount, and the bail bond company pays the rest. The bail bond company is then responsible for ensuring that the defendant shows up in court. If the defendant skips bail, the bail bond company is liable to pay the full bail amount.
Benefits of Felony Bail Bonds:
The primary advantage of opting for a felony bail bond is the financial flexibility it provides. Instead of paying the full bail amount upfront, the defendant can pay a smaller fraction of the amount. This allows defendants to hire a criminal defense attorney, stay with their families, and avoid the harshness of jail.
Another benefit of a felony bail bond is that it enables defendants to carry on with their daily lives until the trial. This can be particularly helpful for those who have families to take care of or jobs to work. The longer it takes for a case to go to trial, the more advantageous it becomes for defendants to be out and working rather than spending their time in jail.
Qualifying for Felony Bail Bonds:
To qualify for a felony bail bond, the defendant or their representative, such as a criminal defense attorney, must fill out an application with the bail bond company. The application process is usually simple and includes providing their contact information, details of the crime, and information on their home and work situation.
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