Vital Information About Cash Bail

Since the 1800’s, the intention of money bail has been to provide a financial incentive for an individual who has been charged with a crime, but not yet convicted, to attend all their scheduled court hearings. Today, there are numerous versions of money bail, one of which is known as “cash” bail. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about cash bail and surety bonds in Indiana, and who to trust for fast and secure assistance with getting out of jail.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Surety Bonds

The most common type of money bail used in today’s court systems are actually surety bonds, which are more colloquially known as bail bonds. If using a surety bond, a person would pay a third party (a bail bond company) a state-regulated fee that is a derived percentage of the total bail amount set forth by the judge. This means that the fee will not vary in percentage, but it will vary in cost from person to person depending on how high the judge sets their bail. Read our blog, “FAQS about Indiana Bail Bonds” to understand this process better.

Cash Bonds

Cash bonds involve only two parties: the jail and the client. Again, the client can be the actual defendant or a friend or family member of the defendant. In a cash bond scenario, the defendant pays their set bond amount in cash directly to the jail to get released. So long as they appear for their court hearing, they receive the money back in full; if they do not show up for court, they surrender the money entirely. Not many people have $5,000 or $10,000 in cash laying around, so they cannot afford to use a cash bond.

Which is Better?

The option you choose for obtaining a release from jail, either for yourself or a loved one, largely depends on your financial capacities and personal preference. Many people cannot afford to front large sums of cash, automatically making it a non-viable option. For others, affordability is not the issue, but rather, the principle. There are also many people who simply prefer a surety bond because it is more efficient and makes more sense financially. Read our blog, “Why a Bail Bond Company is a Better Choice” to learn factors to consider when making your own decision.

Who to Trust for Fast and Secure Bail Bonds in Indiana?

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for fast, safe, and secure bail bonds in Central Indiana. We serve the entire state, as well as the Indianapolis region, including Hamilton County, Marion County, Hancock County, Hendricks County, and more! From convenient customer services like free jail pick up and drop off, to 24 hour emergency bail bonds, free jail and courthouse information, and more, we are truly your best option for fast bail bonds near you. We operate 24-7-365, even on National holidays. Request a free estimate, anytime!

Indiana Bail Bonds
Indiana Bail Bonds

What is the Difference Between a Surety Bond and Cash Bond?

Bonds are used for many reasons, most often, to guarantee a defendant appear for their criminal court date. In this case, a defendant who has been arrested has two options to get out of jail while awaiting their scheduled court hearing: they either use a cash bond or a surety bond.

Continue reading to learn the difference between the two, including which one you should choose.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

The primary difference between a surety bond and a cash bond are the involved number of parties. However, there are several other differences that are important to know if you have to surrender to an arrest warrant or get a loved one out of jail.

Surety Bonds

Surety bonds involve three parties: the indemnitor, the client, and the jail. The client may be the actual defendant, whether surrendering to an arrest warrant or bailing themselves out of jail, or it can be a family member or friend of the defendant. The indemnitor (or bail bondsman) is the person or agency providing the surety bond and taking on the liability of the total court-ordered bond amount that gets paid to the jail. The jail accepts the indemnity bond, and allows the defendant to be released from jail under the condition that they appear for court. If they do not appear for court, the indemnitor is liable for paying the remaining amount of money owed on the bond.

Here is an example: a defendant’s bond is set at $5,000 but they hire a bail bondsman to obtain a release from jail. The bail bondsman puts up the money to the jail in exchange for a 10% or 15% nonrefundable fee. If the defendant does not appear for court, the bail bondsman must sacrifice the $5,000 unless they can bring the defendant to the judge’s bench.

Cash Bonds

Cash bonds involve only two parties: the jail and the client. Again, the client can be the actual defendant or a friend or family member of the defendant. In a cash bond scenario, the defendant pays their set bond amount in cash directly to the jail to get released. So long as they appear for their court hearing, they receive the money back in full; if they do not show up for court, they surrender the money entirely. Not many people have $5,000 or $10,000 in cash laying around, so they cannot afford to use a cash bond. This is why we are lucky to have Indiana bail bondsmen at our service.

Need a Bail Bond in Indiana?

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for affordable bail bonds and arrest warrant services, anytime. Our licensed and insured bail bondsmen are happy to answer your questions about getting out of jail. We also offer convenient customer services, including free jail pick up and drop off services, notary services, 24 hour emergency bail bonds, and free jail and courthouse information. Request a free estimate or information, today.