How to Obtain Surety Bond

There are many different types of Surety Bonds. In this article we will focus on the Bail Bond. A surety bond, or bail bond, is the security deposit, or some other form of security provided by a Bail Bond Agency to guarantee the accused offender will appear in court. The Surety Company then assumes the responsibility for the accused and guarantees the full amount of the bond, to the court if the accused offender fails to appear at ALL required appearances.

Instructions

How to Obtain a Surety Bond namely a Bail Bond

1. Call a Bail Bond Agency. After you are arraigned in court your bail will be set. Most jails have the names and phone numbers of Bail Bond Agencies. You can also find them in the local phone book. They are usually available around the clock and will come to the jail to speak with you.

2. Meet with the bondsman and find out what they require of you. Most Bail Bond Agencies require 10% of the bail upfront that the court has set. Once you pay them and sign some paperwork saying you will show up in court at your required times, you will be able to leave the jail. The 10% that you pay can be in the form of cash or loan. All of this will be spelled out in the paperwork you sign with the bail bondsman. Loans can be collateralized by using a deed to your home or something else of value. The cash is not usually refundable and the loans most likely will carry high interest rates. Some state courts now accept 10% cash bond themselves and is returned if you show up to court.

3. Go to court at your required time or times. If you do not go to court at your required time, the bail bondsman will charge you for the rest of the bail, again at very high interest rates. Remember, whoever entered into the contract with the bail bondsman, is responsible for the full amount of the bail. So, if your family member came with the initial payment or security instrument and signed the contract and you did not show up for court, your family member would be responsible for the entire bail. This bond is not released until this court case is over. If you should have to appear a second or third time, the signing party is still responsible for the entire bail.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the court to see if they have a 10% cash bail option so you don't need to obtain a bail bond.

• If you do not show up for court at your appointed time or times, the court will issue a warrant for your arrest and if you should leave town, the bail bondsman can hire a bounty hunter to track you down and bring you back for court. Either way, you will most likely be responsible to pay back the entire amount of the bond.