This is the part of the state government that oversees bail bond agents and insurance companies. The suspect simply accepts the bail bond and agrees to pay the interest and the cost of bail in future. Some of these rules include: The pros of knowing how bail works in Texas are that you only have to pay 10% of the bond allowing you to use the money you saved on rent, a lawyer or other bills you may have gotten when arrested (example: if your car was towed). First, the "bail" amount is simply an amount of money that must be paid to the court in the event that the defendant does not appear in court or violates any other pre-trial bond conditions imposed by the court. How do bail bonds work? The payment of bail does two things: It grants the defendant freedom (at least . You will likely have to submit an application with the State Department of Insurance and pay a fee via check, money order, or credit card. When the bail bond amount is decided, you or someone else can contact a Texas bail bondsman to post the bond at the local jail. Hes also a family man with a wife and three kids. Instead, the accused receives a written notice informing them that they must appear for their court date. Bail refers to the release of a suspect while they await their court appearance. "@context": "https://schema.org", Can You Leave the State on Bond in Texas? Can I get Probation Instead of Jail in Harris County for Sexual Assault? use our directory of Texas bail bonds agents today. Its a fee that the Texas bail bonds company will keep. A criminal bail bond ensures the defendant appears in court as required and guarantees payment for fines and other penalties against the defendant.

PR release, as it is often called, allows defendants to await their trial at home without posting bail, at all. "@context": "https://schema.org", It can also be reduced if the case gets delayed. "@type": "Question", The general bail bond fee charged is 10% but each county has the power to decide a minimum, maximum, or neither. Failure to appear in court on time may result in bail being forfeited and held by the court. Choose to Sign with a Professional Bail Bondsman: A bail agent or bail bondsman can act as a surety and post bail for the defendant. },{ Property BondSome states allow property bonds. So what happens if these conditions are violated? Once the court appearance has been made, the collateral is returned to the individual, although the 10% fee is still non-refundable. Some courts may be more willing to let defendants out on reduced bail or on personal recognizance if they are at risk for the disease. Example: A bounty hunter in Texas was seeking to apprehend Ruth Garcia, who had skipped bail. . ", Many bail bond agencies require a 10 percent of the total bail amount non-refundable fee. Learn more about how an attorney can help you with your case. }] This allows the accused or their lawyer to make a stronger case for their release, or have their charges dropped by the court. Bail bond agents are effectively investing in their clients.

A civil bail bond basically ensures the payments of debts or penalties from civil cases, plus interest and other expenses." Call a Dallas County bail bondsman 24/7 at 214-747-4110. . The defendant usually pays 10% to 15% of bail amount. The amount of bail that courts will set for pre-trial release depends in large part on the criminal charge. For more information and to learn more about how bail bonds work Texas residents may consult with the Texas Department of Insurance website. Other factors can influence the amount, as well. In the case where the defendant took a bail bond, the 10 percent paid as a premium fee is non-refundable. For various bonds companies, the defendant pays a premium fee of 10 percent of the total bail amount, then the bonds company covers the bail. *The accused should also be aware that the bail bondsman, should there be one, may have added additional conditions to his/her contract. So, for a $5,000 bail, a $500 fee will have to be paid. Bail is generally higher for felonies than for misdemeanors. [2] 2. The defendant is informed of the charges during the arraignment. This can differ from one county to another. You hire a bail bondsman or post bail, and you are free to go. If you post the bail bond, the court will release you under pending trial, and if not posted, you will remain in custody until after the trial. The answer to how do bail bonds work in Texas is that they work relatively simply. Research by the Laura and John Arnold Foundation (LJAF) shows that those who are in jail prior to their trial are four times as likely to be convicted and sentencing than those who were released. Courts can even deny bail, completely. If you ever post bail, be sure to carefully review the stipulations of both the bail agency or bail bondsman and the rules set by the court. Bail is the amount of money that defendants have to post in order to stay home during their trial.1 Those who do not post bail will have to wait for their trial behind bars. The schedule sets recommended amounts for bail for each type of criminal offense. The court may state explicit rules against travel during your bail period, and this is usually non-negotiable unless serious circumstances exist to justify leaving the state on bond. } They must be held in custody for processing if the offense calls for them to remain imprisoned. Release upon Own RecognizanceIf the court determines that the accused is not a flight risk or a threat to the community they will be released and bail will not be set. If a bail bond agent is used, the cost is the 12 percent premium, in addition the fees. Courts can even release defendants on personal recognizance. A person who needs Texas bail can also contact the local county bail bond board website for information. If the defendant appears when he or she was ordered to, bail is refunded. The defendant can be released from detention until trial if bail is paid or posted. }. Some bail bond companies may allow defendants to pay the 12 percent premium on a payment plan. Those motions outline why bail should be lowered. Is it different from other states? As local officials shrink jail populations due to coronavirus, Texas Gov. The amount of bail depends on the offense being charged and the court hearing the case. "name": "How is bail typically determined in Texas? "author": "David A. Breston", The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that bail cant be excessive or used to raise money for the government. Its difficult for one bondsman to manage all the regulations across multiple counties, so various small bail companies exist across county lines. "text": "The amount of time that you will have to spend in jail before getting bailed out will vary. As a result, finding a bail bondsman who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week is critical. There could be some differences in the cost of the bail based on the type of crime committed, as mentioned. They are similar to regular bonds, but rather than the financial guarantee being provided by the bail agent, the guarantee is derived from property the arrestee has. You could arrange for release by paying bail to the court if you have the funds. Police in 2015 arrested Jonathan Rawlins on an unauthorized use of a vehicle charge. Everything You Need To Know About How Does A Bail Bond Work In Texas, How Can A Bail Bond Help If You Are In Trouble, Are Bail Bonds Refundable And Other Questions To Ask A Local Texas Bail Bondsman, Why a Full-Service Law Firm Is a Great Choice for You, A resident of a community for many decades, Family members are welcome to join the community, Always appeared in court for previous charges. Those checked by court or jail personnel will be in effect. HowBailBondsWork.com DOES NOT negotiate NOR write bail bonds. We do not handle any of the following cases: And we do not handle any cases outside of California. If youre the cosignor just know that if the defendant skips bail, you will be responsible for paying the bail bonds company the full cash value. Whether youre borrowing a bail bond for yourself or someone else, make sure you know what you are doing. In Texas, every court has a bond schedule that guides the judges on bail, depending on the type of crime. Browder languished in jail for three years awaiting trial, spending much of the time in solitary confinement. } The bail bond agent doesnt pay the full amount of bail set by the court. HowBailBondsWork is an information and directory service. They will be held in jail until the hearing if they are unable to post bail or if they are denied bail. Unlike other states, Texas has a unique way of handling bail bonds costs. A bail bond does not guarantee immediate release from jail. When you work with your Texas county bondsman, make sure you understand what all is involved in the bail fee. In cases where the bail set is relatively low, this could be possible. TITLE 1. Heres What College Students, Texas Penalties & Punishments for Failure to Appear in Court, Houston Drivers License Suspension Lawyer, Whether the defendant was out on bail during the arrest, Whether the defendant may be a risk to society, Whether the defendant has prior criminal convictions, Whether the defendant is on probation due to another crime conviction, Whether the defendant is considered a flight risk. If you need my help, call my office today for a free consultation. "@type": "Question", Choosing a Bail Bond Company Doesn't Have to Be Difficult. BAIL. A bail bondsman will issue a bond to the county guaranteeing that you will appear for your court dates. Most of the time, it shouldnt be longer than 48 to 72 hours after your booking until your bail hearing. See thefreedictionary.com and The History of Bail. When does a person get their bail money back if it is posted all in cash or as a 10% option . It is important to note that innocence does not make it a defense against skipping bail. We are a resource for people who need bail bondsmen and are ad-supported. This will depend on a variety of factors. The defendant will have to wait for trial behind bars. The bail bond agent doesnt pay the full amount of bail set by the court. The Vera Institute of Justice estimates that someone is arrested in America every three seconds. Breaking any agreed upon terms with the court or bondsman will result in a warrant for your arrest and you will be liable for the entire bail amount, not just the 10% paid to the bondsman. The bail agency or bail bondsman keeps the cash fee for the bail bond as profit. In your typical State offense you get arrested and then a judge sets an amount for your bond. The surety bond issued by the agent acts as a guarantee that the bail will be paid in the event the defendant doesn't show up for their court date. The defendant does not get the premium back, though. ", The defendant must meet specific conditions to stay out of jail with a pending trial. The amount of bail required will be determined at the bail hearing. The pros of using a Texas commercial bail bondsman over paying the state the entire bond is that you save 90%. A bail bond agent will look at your case, the bail amount, and your history and connections to the county to decide whether to mark your case for bond approval. Types of Bail Bonds. It is a cruel, senseless waste of resources to jail people who are presumed innocent. When researching how does a bail bond work in Texas, remember to also research the reasons why bail can be denied. The amount of bail money is supposed to be significant enough to induce the person to show up to recover the bail money. The bond amount is determined by the offense accused and the court hearing the case. The answer to how do bail bonds work in Texas is that they work relatively simply. If you need a reputable bail bondsman in Texas, use our directory of Texas bail bonds agents today! Violating these rules could lead to significant penalties and influence your sentencing. 4 Ways to Get Out of Jail. If you are being priced out of your freedom, a motion to reduce bond in Texas may be your best option for getting a bond reduction. Each county a bondsman wants to operate in they must be licensed through that counties Bail Bond Board. If they do, the bail money will be refunded to them. However, if the defendant defaults to the court trial, they will not get their money back. These rules are straight forward and help you stay on track with your court appointments. Similar to forfeiture remission, incarceration or hospitalization are valid reasons. Known as a PR bond, defendants released on personal recognizance do not have to post any money for bail. "@type": "Answer", There may be other more severe penalties, or you may have committed a new crime. In Texas, each county has its own bail regulation, and bondsman must be licenses to operate in each county. You can also use a friend or family member to provide collateral and pay the fee of 10 to 15%. At this time the process can begin to release the person and typically can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to be completed. When a defendant is bound by bail to appear and fails to appear in any court in which such case may be pending and at any time when his personal appearance is required under this Code, or by any court or magistrate, a forfeiture of his bail and a judicial . They also do not serve to punish the defendant for any alleged crime. 22.01. In Texas, a bail bond is money required by a court for a criminal defendant to be released after an arrest. As with any Texas bail bond, co-signors and/or defendants needs are finding the most reputable bail bond agent will be very important, so it pays to do a little research before making a commitment. If you end up in jail, or if one of your friends or loved ones is jailed, do not stay any longer than absolutely necessary. CHAPTER 17. Cash Bail This is the simplest type. After paying the bail amount, the defendant still has to go to trial. Bail is a process by which a defendant being held for trial is released in exchange for an amount of money to be held as a guarantee of their appearance at all court hearings about the charges for which they were arrested. CHAPTER 22. A bail bondsman does not work from 9 to 5. "@type": "Answer", Bail is security (money or property) that a defendant (or someone on the defendant's behalf) posts with a court. In such a case, the court holds a bail hearing to decide whether to reduce it. You will find that the basic process with a bail bond company is going to be essentially the same across the state of Texas. Courts can also choose to release a defendant on personal recognizance. This is a citation release. If the initial bail is unreasonable, you do have options for bond reduction in Texas. Violating these rules could lead to significant penalties and influence your sentencing. A bail bond is a type of surety bond. More than likely, a lien will be filed against any and all property you mentioned as collateral in the indemnitor contract. A bond, on the other hand, is a promise made in money, and a bonds company hired by the defendant pays the amount. If you dont understand your obligations, you might end up owing a large amount of money. This includes: If the defendant misses a required court appearance, it can forfeit the bond. A co-signer vouches for the defendant and ensures they have support on the outside in getting back on track and to trial. Youll borrow money from them, then pay a fee for the service. Severe offenses often lead to high bail requirements. Defendants end up receiving a better deal than what they expected. If they are considered a safety risk, then the presence of prior convictions, restraining orders, and whether they are on probation could affect the cost as well. Some bondsmen can even accept Western Union Money-Grams to receive payments from out of state co-signors. }] In order to get out of jail you or a cosignor will need to pay a fee to a bondsman which is usually 10% of the entire bond, called the premium. The local Bail Bonds Board will always have a listing of the companies allowed to post bond. The bail bonds Texas authorities use to release those arrested from jail before their court date has been in place for many decades. Criminal Defense and Constitutional Rights, Copyright 2023 Law Office of David A. Breston. If the defendant appears in court as required, the bonds company gets their money back. Bail bonds in Texas typically have fairly standard amounts for common crimes. Let's see how we can help. The bail agency or bail bondsman may also impose specific requirements for a bail bond, such as requiring the bonded defendant to remain in-state, or the bail agency or bondsman takes the defendants posted collateral.

The prosecutor will argue that it should stay the same. If it is not posted, he or she will most likely remain in custody while awaiting trial. Make sure to visit your counties website to determine the exact fee structure, or simply talk to a nearby bondsman and openly ask them about the county regulations. To complete your remission form, you can consult a more reliable bail bond service to learn about bond reduction in Texas. Texas proposes different ways to post bail, and certain methods will depend . have no process for certifying bail bondsmen but, Texas does. They are: Once the bail agreement is fulfilled, a person is released until their court date, at which point they are expected to show up for all court proceedings. Defendants who cannot pay their own bail can hire a bail bondsman to help, for a fee. Unfortunately, there is no bail mechanism in federal proceedings. The bail bond agent doesnt pay the full amount of bail set by the court. The bail bond system exists to ensure that individuals charged with crimes appear for their court dates as required while allowing them to move freely between booking and arraignment. "text": "The court stipulates specific rules for bail. For example, when arrested, the court can ask for a bail of $60,000. Once you have passed your examination and met all other eligibility, you may apply for your bail bondsman license. Another way bail can be decided is through an algorithm. Lawsuits for Dangerous Drugs & Medical Devices. An award-winning criminal defense attorney. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE. At this point, the bonds company becomes responsible and assures the court that the defendant will appear for the trial. Factors that can raise the amount of bail include: Courts can deny bail in some cases, often involving serious charges.