Law & Government

Types of Bail Bonds You Should Know

Bail bonds come in a variety of forms. They can include cash bail and surety bail. Property bonds are also an option. They help you avoid pretrial detention. Property bonds are not as commonly used as cash bail, but they can be a good alternative in some cases.

Cash Bail 

Cash bail bonds are a good choice for defendants who have extra cash. They can pay the full bail in cash, which they will receive back after the trial. This type of bail does not require any long-term investment, and the court will keep some of the cash for administrative costs. Cash bail bonds are the simplest form of bail bonds. They require the full amount of money to be paid in cash, guaranteeing the accused will show up to court. Usually, this type of bond is used by those who are flight risks or have court debts. The money is forfeited if the accused does not show up for court dates. Cash bail bonds are the most common type of bail bond. A person who can pay the full bail in cash can be released quickly from jail. Typically, a person can pay this bond using cash, debit cards, or a credit card. However, they should know that bail bonds Harrisburg PA have strict rules and regulations.

Surety Bond 

surety bond is a legal document that provides a financial guarantee to a third party in the event of a breach of contract. Bonds can be obtained for a variety of reasons. Court bonds are sought after by the courts, while contractors and business licenses in Minnesota require contract bonds. A surety bond may be used in many different circumstances, including the arrest of a loved one. It may be necessary to find a surety bond agency to obtain one. Once you find one, you must complete an application and agree to a credit check. You will also need to provide documentation and collateral. Your credit will affect your ability to secure a surety bond and the cost of the bond. A surety bond involves three parties: the surety (the person who provides the bond), the principal (the person who posts bail), and the obligee (the court or government agency). A surety bond is a good choice if you need the means to pay the full bail amount in cash.

Property Bond 

A property bond is a type of bail bond that uses collateral to secure a defendant’s release from jail. This bail bond usually uses real estate as collateral, but other types of property are acceptable. A property bond is an excellent way for defendants to avoid having to pay out of pocket for bail, and it is also a way to ensure a defendant’s appearance in court. Property bonds can be arranged through bail agents or by putting a lien on the property. The property’s value may need to be at least double the bail amount, so the bail agent may have to use an appraiser to determine the property’s value. If a property has multiple owners, the owner will need to sign an agreement to use the property as collateral. Property bonds can be difficult to obtain due to poor market conditions. If the property is valued too low or has little demand, it might not be worth selling. Furthermore, this type of bond can only be issued by a court and is not allowed in all jurisdictions. Once the defendant appears in court and pays the full bail amount, the lien on the property will be released, and the defendant will be free.

Citation Release 

A citation release bail bond is a type of release that allows an arrestee to avoid jail time. These citations are often issued instead of pretrial detention or custodial arrest. They are generally issued for minor crimes, such as traffic offenses or nonviolent misdemeanors. However, these arrestees must ensure they appear in court and follow court conditions, such as paying fines, taking a class, or performing community service. The main difference between a citation release and a bail bond is the required amount of money. Citation releases are only for minor offenses, like traffic violations or speeding tickets. Instead of using bond money to secure the release, these arrestees must promise to appear in court and refrain from further criminal activity. This bond is generally only offered for first-time offenders or petty crimes.