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It is common for people to not know what to expect regarding bail bonds until they or a loved one is arrested. As such, they often ask the same questions about bail, the bonding process, how to get in touch with a bail bondsman, and the associated costs. Here, we attempt to provide answers to FAQs for bail bonds.

The bail bond system arises out of common law. The posting of money or property in exchange for temporary release pending a trial dates back to 13th century England. The modern commercial practice of bail bonds has continued to evolve in the United States while it has since ceased to exist in most modern nation-states.

Favorite Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about bail bonds and posting bail.

What is bail?
Bail is the means of procuring the release from custody of a person charged with a criminal offense.
What happens at arraignment?
An arraignment is when the accused is brought before the court and charges are read. The defendant pleads guilty or not guilty, and the judge then decides the amount of bail to be set according to a Bail Schedule. In some cases, such as capital felonies, bail may not be granted.
What is a cash bond?
Bondsmen are not used for cash bonds. The court MAY refund the full amount paid to the guarantor at the final disposition of the case. Note if the defendant fails to appear the entire amount will be forfeited.
What is a surety bond?
A surety bond is the most common bail bond. A professional bail bondsman guarantees the appearance of the defendant through an insurance agency (surety). The bail bondsman is paid a fee for his service and may require collateral (property) from the person posting bail.
How is the amount of bail set?

Judges no longer use a bail schedule. Judges sets the amount of bail depending on the seriousness of the charges, criminal history, risk of flight, and ties to the community.

What happens if the arrestee fails to appear in court?

The court may issue a warrant for the defendant’s arrest, resulting in a separate charge, “failure to appear”. The order to arrest MAY be set aside at a later date due to extenuating circumstances such as: death, a major illness, or detention by law enforcement.

What is a bounty hunter?

The guarantor of the bond is also the indemnitor of the bond and has agrred to pay any costs and fees associated with non-appearance at court including the cost of arrest by a bounty hunter.

What happens if bail is paid and charges are dismissed?

The fee paid to the bonding agency is nonrefundable. At the dismissal of charges the bond becomes void and collateral pledge will be returned within 30 days as provided by local bail bond board rules and upon written notice.

How long does it take to get out on Bail?
The paperwork takes approximately 15-30 minutes. The release time after the jail receives our paperwork is generally 1-3 hours or less for local police stations and 3-8 hours for county jails. Generally speaking, the busier the holding facility, the longer it takes.
Who is liable for the bail bond?
The Indemnitor (co-signer) is financially liable for the bail bond. The indemnitor’s liability is limited to the full face value of the bail bond plus all cost in the re-arrest.

“We will always remember that our clients are innocent until proven guilty and that they deserve to be treated with courtesy and dignity.”

Liberty Bail Bonds

Contact a bail bond agent today!

Office: (817) 759-2663

Fax: (817) 759-1650

libertybailbonds3545@gmail.com

Tarrant County License #253

Agent for Lexington National Insurance

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