If you are arrested and charged with a crime, you may be required to pay bail before you are released from jail. Before you starting researching local bail bondsmen, such as Montgomery County bail bonds, you should know about the different types of bail you may be eligible for.
Personal Recognizance
If the crime is minor, the suspect is not a public threat and doesn’t pose a flight risk, they may be released on their own recognizance. This type of bond is similar to a cite and release, but only a bail hearing judge can release the defendant. However, these individuals must still show up to their trials or they will experience other bail conditions.
Cash Bond
A cash bond may be required before a suspect is released from jail. State or local laws and precedents determine the amount of bail that is charged. If suspects or someone they know has the money and is willing to give it to the court, they will be released until trial. They will receive this cash back if they fulfill all your legal obligations.
Secured Bond
The court may require that you give the court the legal right to secure or take suspects’ property if they do not follow through on their legal obligations. The property value must be the same or greater than the bail set by the judge.
Unsecured Bond
Sometimes, the court may set a bail amount but not require the amount in cash unless the defendant does not appear in court. In this case, you may be released without paying your bail.
Surety Bond
A bail bond agent will pay bail on behalf of the defendant after receiving a percentage, usually 10-15%, of the bail amount from the defendant or a loved one. The bond agent must pay the amount in full if the suspect does not show up to court, and the bond agent may require collateral to cover the full amount of the bond.
The more you know about the bail process, the quicker you are a loved one can be released from jail.