If you or a loved one is arrested, a bail bondsman can help you navigate the legal system. Our team at Woodard Bonding Company will help expedite the bail and release process. Here are five steps in the booking and bail process, from arrest to post-release obligations:

1. Booking and Arrest

After arrest, a bail bondsman can start the release process. Detainees may have limited contact at this stage, but they still have the right to legal representation. Once the individual is taken to a local jail, they will go through booking, which is a collection of personal history information. At that time, the bail bondsman will ask for specific information, including:

• The individual’s full legal name
• Their date of birth
• The county where they are being detained
• The charge and amount of bail
• Any other related personal history

2. Understanding Bail

A bail bond is a contractual undertaking, and defendants who post bail must fulfill all the court orders and appear before the court when required. Though there are various types of bail bonds, most defendants select surety bonds. This is when a bondsman posts bail on behalf of the detainee in exchange for a fee. Should the defendant fail to appear in court, our bonding agents will attempt to locate them and then surrender them to court.

3. Determining Bail Amounts

A bail is designed to secure the appearance of the accused in court. The court determines its amount depending on factors like the nature of the charge and the defendant’s flight risk. The court also reviews any previous criminal records and a defendant’s risk to public safety. If there is an inquiry and allegations of a victim, the defendant may have a higher set bail. Should a judge set an excessive bail not warranted by any evidence presented, it violates constitutional rights.

4. Securing Release

Regardless of the cost of bail, our bail bond agent helps the defendant by paying the full bail amount. This comes with a non-refundable fee, often a percentage of the bail total. Once bail is posted, the defendant is released from custody. Most bonds must be signed by a guarantor, a person who assumes responsibility for the defendant while they are on bail. The guarantor also assumes financial responsibility if the defendant cannot repay the bail amount.

5. Post-Release Obligations

The defendant must adhere to the conditions set by the court to avoid any penalties. These factors often include attending all court hearings and avoiding any legal disputes. If the judge has set restrictions, such as travel limitations, the defendant must follow the conditions. Failing to do so may result in re-arrest and forfeiting the bail.

Use a Bail Bondsman from Woodard Bonding Company

Understanding the bail process helps progress a defendant’s legal case. A bail bondsman from Woodard Bonding Company aids families and individuals in navigating the legal system. For those needing assistance with bail bonds, we will provide guidance and solutions to secure a loved one’s release. Contact our team today to learn more about bail bonds.