Whether it involves you or someone you love, a first brush with law enforcement is sure to be frightening. If the offense is serious enough for an arrest to be made, the situation is sure to become even more unpleasant and unnerving.

Depending upon the circumstances of the arrest and the seriousness of the charge, it may be necessary for you or your loved one to post cash amount or a bail bond in order to be released from jail until your scheduled court appearance, as directed by the arresting officer and notated on your arrest documentation.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested, the following information regarding the bail bond process can be helpful in allowing you to handle the situation as quickly and proactively as possible. 

Understanding the bail bond process

While each state, county, or municipality may have different rules and regulations regarding bail bonds, the primary purpose is always to allow someone who has been charged with a crime and arrested to pay a sum of money and be released, while governed by specific rules. Since the amount of the sum, or bail, can be quite high, depending on the severity of the offense, many people are unable to post their bail without the financial assistance of someone else, usually a professional bail bondsman.

Bail guarantees court appearance 

The reason for the posting of bail bonds and their often significant amounts is to help guarantee that the defendant will abide by the terms of their release, including attending all required court appearances. Defendants who are released on bail but do not go on to honor the bail bond agreement they signed in its entirety are considered in violation of their bond and are likely to be subject to arrest.

Forfeiture risks money or property

In addition, defendants who forfeit their bond will lose any money they have already paid. If the bail bond was issued as a property bond, the party who allowed their property to stand as collateral for the defendant's bond amount can lose it. This usually occurs when the court exercises its right to foreclose on the property because the defendant failed to appear in court as agreed, or failed to meet other agreed-upon terms of their bail bond agreement. 

To learn more about using a bail bond agent in your area, contact a properly licensed bail bonds agency in your area.