Bail is the property/money that a defendant pledges to the court to be released from custody instead of remaining incarcerated until the trial begins. It acts as a deposit to ensure the defendant will show up to all court proceedings. If any court proceedings are missed, the bail property/monies are forfeited to the court. Because of bail, the courts are more certain the defendant will appear for court and no taxpayer money is at risk.

How does Bail Work?
If you, a friend, or a family member has been arrested, he or she is first taken to a police station to be booked or processed into custody. Once this is completed, the defendant is allowed to make a phone call.

Once a Bond has been set, the amount can be posted in cash or via a surety bond issued by a bail bond agent with a bail bonding company. 

When a defendant is unable to provide the full amount of the set bond in cash bail, Out Bail Bonds can enter into a contract with the defendant, friend, or family member that has Out Bail Bonds issue a surety bond for the full amount. Bail Bonds guarantee the defendant’s appearance on all court dates and assume financial responsibility to the court for the bail amount. Typically the service charge is 10% of the bond’s value, but other fees may apply as well. Defendants may be required to secure a cosigner to meet requirements as determined by Legacy Bail Bonds.