Bail Bonds- 4 Types of Bailbonds
A Bail Bond requires that a defendant appear in court, the court may issue a bond for them to meet before they can be released from jail. The court will recommend a certain amount for the bond, and it must be met before the defendant is released from jail. The purpose of the bail bond is to ensure the defendant appears in court on the date they are to appear.
If the defendant fails to appear, the court retains the bail, and it will issue an arrest warrant for them.
For over 30 years Houstonians have turned to A Better Bail Bond for fast discreet bond service. A Better Bail Bond has 4 convenient Houston area locations. They are open 7 days a week with the Downtown Houston location being open 24 hours a day, including holidays.
There are four common kinds of bail bonds a court could impose on defendants.
These are:
- Own Recognizance
- Cash Bond
- Property Bond
- Professional Bond
Own Recognizance
When the court issues an own-recognizance bail, it means the defendant will sign a no-cost bail form that guarantees their appearance to court on the date ordered. No money is involved when this kind of bail.
Courts will permit this kind of bail in minor misdemeanor cases, but also factor in the following:
- Suspect’s previous record
- Community ties
- Family member support
- Employment
Defendants can ask someone of good standing – employer, religious leader, etc. – to speak on their behalf to ask for leniency and receive the own recognizance release. While there is no money exchanged for this kind of bail, there are other things a defendant must do, including:
- Checking in regularly with their probation officer
- Refrain from alcohol or drug use
- Attend all court date appearances
Cash Bond
Defendants may also have the option to pay their total bail amount using cash. However, a cash bond means cash – not personal or business checks or even credit cards. It means you must put up cash to be released from jail before your trial.
If no court dates are missed, most of their money will be refunded to them, no matter what outcome is experienced in court. Some of the money will go toward court fees and costs and may even go toward back taxes or child support payments.
Property Bond
This bond is associated with tangible property such as a home or vehicle. It may also be ordered for a defendant’s release from jail pending their trial. The majority of jurisdictions want the following information:
- Warranty deed
- Current tax statement to find out what the fair market value is and ensure taxes are paid
- Current mortgage statement to ensure homeowners are not behind on their mortgage
- Signed agreement (for both property owners) that the property can be used as collateral for the bond
If a defendant does not go to court when they are supposed to, the property can go into foreclosure. After it is sold, the court will receive compensation for the bail amount. However, if the amount fails to satisfy the bail amount, the court may go after the defendant to attain the difference.
Professional Bondsman or Bonding Company
A defendant can call a bail bond agent or bonding company to spring them from jail. It’s also known as a surety bond. The company will often charge a percentage of the bond amount (usually around 10% to 15%). This percentage is the result of the risk they take if a defendant fails to show up in court.
The judge has the right to grant or deny a defendant bail. However, a defendant’s attorney can make various arguments that their client should be released on a cash bond, property bond, their own recognizance or a surety bond.
One such argument that is being made these days include the threat of COVID-19 in the enclosed environment. Read https://www.tdcaa.com/journal/%EF%BB%BFbail-in-the-age-of-covid-19/ to learn more about this option and how a defendant’s attorney can ask the court for leniency in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Again, a judge will consider an array of factors regarding the defendant and factor in the risk they face in jail with other inmates. They may determine that a defendant’s health would be at risk if they were detained for an extended period of time while awaiting trial.
About A Better Bail Bond
A Better Bail Bond is equipped to post bonds throughout the United States. Our primary service area is Houston, Texas. Capable of solving your bonding problems whether your open warrant is with the City of Houston, Harris County or any presiding precincts in the Houston area.
