When it comes to legal matters like arrests and jail, questions are one of the only guaranteed results. Whether you or a loved one is facing the need to be bailed out of jail after an arrest, it is important to examine what you’re up against. Equipping yourself with relevant knowledge about the bail bond process is an effective way to prepare you for what’s to come. Start below by reviewing some of the most frequently asked questions about sureties, bail, and all things related.
Bail Bond Surety FAQS
What Makes Me a Person’s Surety?
By bailing someone out of jail, you are acting as a surety. If you are the one who signs the bail bond agreement, then you are that person’s surety. Before this can happen officially, it must be approved by the court. Not just everyone can bail a person out of jail, even if it’s themselves.
What Do I Have to Do When I am Acting as Someone’s Surety?
By becoming someone’s surety, you take on a very serious responsibility. Not only are you required to supervise a person’s behavior while they are out on bail, but you are also required to enforce their bail conditions. That is because if they do not obey their bail conditions, you are at risk of paying back the entire bail premium. So, if a person’s bail was set at $5,000 and they failed to appear for their scheduled court hearing, you are responsible for paying back the entire $5000, and not just the fee you paid the bail bondsman at the time of bail.
Can There Be More Than One Surety?
It is not common, but it is possible for a court to permit multiple sureties. This is most common in serious cases in which a person requires a level of supervision that can only be adequately provided by more than one person. All sureties are both jointly and separately liable in terms of the bail premium.
Do I Need to Have Cash Up Front to Be a Surety?
The answer to this question is, “yes.” Bail bond companies require an upfront fee for their services. This fee cannot be paid in credit. It must be paid in liquid form, whether cash, property, or other significant liquid asset. The fee is a set percentage of the total bond amount, usually between 10 and 15 percent. It is regulated by the Department of Insurance, and cannot be changed by a bail bondsman.
What Do I Need to Bring to My Hearing if I Am Acting as My Own Surety?
When you act as your own surety, you must have the usual documents at your court hearing. This varies from person to person, but generally include updated photo identification, proof of address, bank statements, paycheck stubs, proof of property ownership (if being used for bail), and anything else that can prove you are financially capable of covering the total bail premium in the case you fail to meet your bail conditions.
Can I Act as a Surety if I Have Little to No Income?
The answer to this question differs from state to state, and from person to person. Talk to a local and trusted bail bondsman about your income level and eligibility requirements. You could be qualified for legal assistance if you are disabled or otherwise unable to work.
Where Can I Get Trusted Bail Bonds in Marion County?
Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for safe and secure bail bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana you can trust, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Not only do we serve both adult and juvenile clients, but we also offer prearranged bail bond services for those needing to surrender to an arrest warrant. In some cases, we can get you turned in and released in as little as one hour. Request a free estimate or jail information, anytime.
