If you or a loved one has been arrested here in Sequatchie County, then you’re likely looking into options for bail or bonds to get out. Though the two terms might seem similar, and indeed do both accomplish the same thing in the end (getting you or your loved one out of jail), there is a very important difference between bail and bond that you should understand before posting bail or requesting a bond.
What’s the Difference Between Bail and Bond?
Bail
Bail refers to the amount of money, usually a cash sum, set by the court in a bail hearing, which must be paid for an arrested defendant to be released from jail while awaiting trial. Bail, by definition, must be paid in cash directly to the court by either the defendant or a trusted friend or family member on his or her behalf.
The cash is then returned to the defendant (or whoever paid it) once court proceedings are complete. If the defendant “jumps,” or does not show up for court proceedings, the court keeps the bail money.
Bond
A bond usually refers to a promise made by an authorized agency (often called a bondsman) to pay the defendant’s bail on his or her behalf in the event that the defendant doesn’t show up for court.
The bondsman usually charges a fee, known as surety, of around 10% of the total bail posted by the court, which must be paid upfront by the defendant or a trusted friend or family member. In addition, most bondsmen will ask for some form of non-cash collateral from the surety payer, such as a car, home, or expensive goods, to pay for what the bondsman will owe the court in the event of a “jump.”
Why Do Courts Charge Bail?
When someone has been arrested, it is a risk that the justice system takes to release the defendant before his or her court appearance. Once released, an arrested person could simply disappear and never face justice for any crimes they may have committed. Bail money paid to the court, or collateral goods promised to a bail bond agency, acts as a deterrent to discourage the defendant from skipping court and reimburses the state for costs it may incur in chasing down a “jumper.”
What Is the Advantage of a Bond in Sequatchie County?
If you or a loved one has been arrested, what you’re probably most concerned with is getting out as quickly as possible. While posting bail does also guarantee a quick release, the amount of money that courts request for cash bail is often more than the family can afford to pay on the spot. A bail bond offers a much cheaper way to guarantee an immediate release.
Great bail bond agencies also know how to quickly follow the steps through the justice system and submit paperwork timely, to get you or our loved ones out of jail without any problems. They also usually operate 24/7, with trained legal professionals on call to get you out on a moment’s notice, no matter when you’re arrested.
If you need a bail bond here in Sequatchie, you’ll want to go with a reputable agency that knows the justice system and is available around the clock to get you or a loved one out of jail. Platinum Bonding is the best company to call anytime, 7 days a week when you need a bond! The most reputable bonding agency in Southeastern Tennessee. Call up Platinum Bail Bonds at any time if you need a bail bond from the most reputable agency in Southeastern Tennessee.