Financing Your First Business

Taking A Closer Look At Some Of The Key Terms Associated With Bail Bonds

25 May 2015

Jimmie Holland

When you are arrested for a crime and awaiting trial, there is a good chance that the judge will set a specific bail amount for your case. If you do not have enough money to cover the bail on your own, a bail bonds company can be one of the most valuable services to have within reach. Even though beneficial, the terms associated with bail bonds can get pretty technical, and this is one service you must ensure you understand to the fullest extent when you accept it. Here are a few of the most common terms and the definitions you should know.

Bounty Hunter - A bounty hunter is a professional individual who is usually hired by a bonding agency to seek and hunt individuals who have been bonded out of jail, but then did not show up for their appointed court hearings.

Bail Jumping - Bail jumping is failure to return to a court hearing that was appointed when you were let out of jail on bond. Bail jumping is taken seriously, both by the courts and bail bonds companies, so you will be sought after if you do.

Surety Bond - A surety bond simply refers to a bond that is paid on the behalf of the person charged by another party. For example, a bond company will pay a surety bond on your behalf if you are in prison.

Bail Forfeiture - When you are arrested or charged with a crime, bail is the amount you must pay before you can get out of jail. In most cases, this money will be returned when you go to your first court hearing or when the case is dismissed or final. If you choose to not go to court, you will be forfeiting your right to the bail money that has been paid.

Bond Lien - If you have personal property that could stand good for the value of your bond, you may see a lien placed on your property. Not all bail bonds companies will require collateral before posting bail on your behalf, but some do, and some will actually not offer help unless you have something that can stand good for the amount. Bond liens can be placed on vehicles, homes, and land.

If you find yourself in an undesirable predicament, it is bad enough to be facing legal charges, let alone spend your days in jail awaiting trial. Obtaining a bail bond could be one of the most logical decisions. If you plan to use this service, make sure you understand the various terminology that is used. Contact a local bond company, like A Regional Bail Bonding Co, for questions about your situation.

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