The Bonding Process

Before being released from jail, the defendant or friend or relative of the defendant typically contacts a bail agent to arrange for posting of bail. Prior to posting a bail bond, the indemnitor (co-signer) must guarantee that they will pay the full amount of the bail if the defendant does not appear in court. A family member or friend of the defendant can post bail and co-sign. If the defendant "skips bond," the co-signer is immediately responsible for the full amount of the bail if the judge "forfeits" the bond.

Once an individual is incarcerated and the bond amount is established, the indemnitor must fill out a few forms and pay the premium (10% of the bond amount) in full. A valid picture ID must also be presented. We then call the jail to set a bond appointment. Once an appointment time is given and the bond is posted, the defendant will be released 1-3 hours after that and MUST come to our office to fill out some forms.

A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

Sometimes a defendant must appear in front of the judge before a bond is set and they can be released, so there are times an individual must stay incarcerated overnight in order to go in front of the judge the next day.

Also, the jail closes between the hours of 5-7am, 11am-1pm and 5-7pm. During those times no bonds can be posted nor a bond time set. Please keep this in mind especially if you have to travel to get here so you can plan accordingly.