Bail Bonds Information

What is a bail bond?

A bail bond, or surety bond is a written document from a bondsman that enables a person’s release from jail and promises they will appear for all required court hearings.

What is a bail bondsman?

A bail bondsman is an agent licensed by the State of Florida and appointed by an insurance company who provides the service of executing bail bonds.

What is the process for a person’s release from jail?

1) The process begins with the defendant or their family/friend contacting a bondsman.
2) The bondsman obtains the bond information from the jail and contacts the indemnitor.
3) Bond premium (bond fee) and collateral are collected by the bondsman.
4) The bond is delivered to the jail by the bondsman.
5) The jail processes the bond and the defendant is released.

How long does it take for a person to be released?

In most cases we can have the bonds delivered to the jail 30 minutes after first contact. After the bonds have been delivered the defendant is usually released in 2-3 hours, sometimes even sooner.

What is the process after release from jail?

1) The defendant returns the state required “Application for Appearance Bond” to the bondsman.
2) A court date for the defendant’s arraignment is set (when the defendant pleads guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The arraignment date is usually 3-4 weeks from the date of arrest.
3) The defendant appears at all required court hearings until the case is adjudicated (conclusion).
4) The bondsman receives a “Notice of Discharge” from the court and the agreements are fulfilled and the bonds are closed.

What is an indemnitor for a bail bond?

An indemnitor is a person who cosigns the defendant’s bond and is responsible for the bail. An indemnitor signs agreements or gives collateral related to the amount of bond.

What is bail bond collateral?

Collateral refers to anything placed with the bondsman as means of securing a bond. Typically, signed documents called an indemnity agreement and a contingent promissory note. Other types of collateral are cash, credit cards, cars, or real estate.

What is a bail bond premium?

A premium is the amount of money paid to the bondsman for the bail bonds service. Premium is restricted to 10% of the amount of the bond with a $100 minimum for each charge. Florida law requires all bondsmen to charge the same premium. The premium is non-refundable after bonds have been to accepted by the jail.

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Bail Bonds in Stuart, Palm City, Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce