Services & Processes
Bail Bonds
What You Need to Know About Bail Bonds
Bail bonds are something that few people have to deal with. The laws and processes around securing a bond for a person in jail can be confusing for this reason. It is important for you to understand some of the details of the bail bond process I have outlined below. Contact Us
The Purpose of Bail Bonds
The main purpose of a bond is to provide a financial reason for a defendant (a person or entity that is facing a civil lawsuit or has been accused of a crime) to make court dates in the future after being released from jail. People who cannot secure a bond must usually remain in jail from the moment of the arrest, up until the end of the criminal trial. This could potentially be several months or longer. Defendants who post a bond are released from jail as the bond serves as a financial guarantee that they will appear in court. Bonds are usually posted through a bondsman such as Michael Morehead of Reasonable Bail Bonds, who serves people in the Santa Cruz and San Jose areas.
How Reasonable Bail Bonds Will Help You
Michael Morehead is a licensed professional who is able to help defendants with the posting of a bond. Reasonable Bail Bonds is insured and has a standing agreement with the courts. Michael can perform a number of tasks from helping to complete legal paperwork to picking up a defendant from the jail. He can provide financing or other payment options when family and friends do not have enough money to cover the cost of a bond. Michael generally handles everything dealing with the bond once hired. He can work through larger bail bond agencies in different jurisdictions as needed.
Posting a Bond
Bonds can be posted by the defendant or by a friend or family member. Posting a bond usually requires contacting a specific agency such as Reasonable Bail Bonds. The amount of the bond must then be paid in some way. Reasonable Bail Bonds accepts cash or credit cards. Exceptionally large bonds might require a person to supply a valuable asset as collateral to secure the full amount. There may be a small fee for the services provided.
Release from Jail
A defendant can be released from jail very quickly after a bond is paid. Some defendants are released within an hour of paying the bond. It could be longer if the jail is overcrowded or very busy. Defendants sometimes have to follow specific guidelines or restrictions after release. This often includes checking in with the bond agency regularly.
The Responsibilities of Co-Signers
If a friend or family member posts a bond for a defendant, then this person is called a co-signer. A co-signer becomes responsible for making sure the defendant shows up at every court date on time. Co-signers are also responsible for ensuring defendants follow all the rules given during release. If the defendant decides to flee or break the law, then the co-signer becomes financially responsible for the bond.
What Happens When Defendants Flee
Many things can happen if a defendant decides to flee and not show up for a court date. The judge at the trial will issue a bench warrant allowing the defendant to be arrested on sight. The bond agency could send out a bondsman such as Reasonable Bail Bonds to start tracking down the defendant in order to bring the person back to court. If the defendant does not return within a certain timeframe, then the bond is forfeited. This means the money and any collateral are lost.
Returning the Bond Amount
Bail bonds last for the duration of the criminal trial in many cases. The money used to secure the bond will be returned once the trial ends. It is returned regardless of the outcome of the trial. All of the money is returned less the fees charged by the bond agency.
Questions about Bail Bonds and What to Do?
Give Reasonable Bail Bonds a call and you don't reach Michael, leave a detailed message. He will get back to you as soon as possible. Phone: (831) 466-9494 or email us at mkmreasonablebail@gmail.com.