A bail bond is a contract between the defendant and the bail bondsman that guarantees the defendant’s participation in the justice system. Posting bail releases defendants from prison to await their trial date at home with certain conditions. The defendant must agree to show up for court, refrain from illegal activities, and could be subject to electronic monitoring. Here is some more information on the history of bail bonds and bond companies:

The Purpose of Bail Bonds

A bail bond is a specific amount of money that is set by a judge to pay for a defendant’s release from incarceration. This amount can be paid with cash or by a bail bondsman. Posting bail gives defendants the freedom to return to work. This allows them to provide for their families while awaiting their court dates. Posting bail helps to reduce the financial burden of unnecessary incarceration. The benefits of a bail bond agent is that they will handle the full release payment quickly. This could prevent a defendant from spending a night in jail.

There are certain conditions that defendants must abide by, and these vary from case to case. The defendant will be incarcerated if these terms are not met. The reasons may include not complying with drug screenings, owning weapons, or failing to show up to court. Communicating with a lawyer can help to prevent the defendant from accidentally breaking the terms of their release. 

The History of Bail Bonds

The process of bail bonds can be traced back to ancient times in what is now known as modern-day Iraq. Clay tablets were useful to people back then for writing down messages and relaying information, such as business deals, personal messages, and even bail bond transactions. Posting bail is also recorded in medieval England as a way to bring those accused of a crime to court for trial. These laws migrated to various parts of the world during England’s expansion, including the settler colonies of the early United States.

American Bail Bond Companies

Bail structures have been present in American society since colonial times, as they relied on England’s judicial system to settle legal matters. After America’s independence from England in 1776, the states enacted their interpretations of bail law. Many bail bond companies began to grow across the country during the 1800s as a way to bridge socioeconomic classes. Many defendants were able to post bail to prevent incarceration, regardless of their income. 

Some modern-day bail bond companies have been providing their services for decades. This can help to create trust within the community. A bail bond agent provides a written agreement to criminal courts showing the defendant’s cooperation with the legal system. The bail amount is then paid by the agent, granting the defendant’s immediate release.

Contact a Bail Bondsman

Woodard Bonding Company provides bail bond services 24/7, seven days per week for our local communities. Our services cover a range of court systems, including misdemeanors and felony cases. Posting bail allows you to return to your daily routine such as going to work, providing childcare, and spending time with friends and family. Contact us today by phone to begin your bail bond process.