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The 5 Things You Need to Know About Bail Bonds in El Paso

The phrase “bail bonds” is superimposed over a blue background with the image of Lady Justice.

Many individuals like to watch crime TV shows. They feel the exhilaration of solving cases. Some of the expressions we learn come from these shows. You could pick up a lot of knowledge about legal processes, prison regulations, and other topics. You are aware of what bail is, for the most part. But many are unaware of what it is.

Understanding the process can be challenging. Consider your friend or relative being taken into custody. They might or might not be at fault, but you will still try to free them from custody. However, you’re in danger if you don’t have the necessary funds. Asking a friend or family member for a loan could embarrass you. 

For this scenario, bail bonds in El Paso, TX, come to the rescue. Here are the five crucial things you need to know about bail bonds.

1. They Act as Insurance

Like insurance, it ensures that the defendant will show up for court on the scheduled days. The accused need not serve the entirety of their sentence behind bars. They may remain at home, but they have to show up in court. Getting someone out of jail might cost a lot of money.

Therefore, not many families have access to that kind of funding. To free their loved ones from prison, they buy these bonds. When you have selected the ideal business, visit their location. For the bond, you will make a down payment. You can send an agent if you’re too embarrassed to go.

You might always speak with your attorney, or if you still have questions, they’ll direct you on the appropriate path.

2. You Require Some Documents

You will need to carry some paperwork with you when you visit their office. You cannot travel without any supplies. A legitimate ID is needed – it doesn’t matter if it’s a passport or a driver’s license. You should also bring your bank account information.

Finally, you should produce evidence of your address to prevent the defendant from escaping. Not least, among other things, the required finances. They will act as a deposit and as collateral. You will have all you need to free your loved one once this is all done.

3. The Cost Varies

You need to be aware that the judge determines the bail. Everything is based on crime. Additionally, they will likely set a bigger sum if they anticipate that you’ll attempt to run. Sometimes, it’s possible to estimate the cost. But a lot of things could affect the price. But the sum will be formally disclosed by the judge.

4. Requirement of a Collateral

For you to be able to pay the bail, you’ll need to offer collateral. If the defendant doesn’t show up, this is necessary. You may always use some cash as security.

However, there are other choices. You could put up a costly vehicle or home, for instance. Additionally, you might utilize stocks, bonds, or jewelry. Different collaterals are possible as each case is different.

You should know who will take back whatever collateral you have provided. Therefore, whether it is cash or jewelry, you’ll receive it back. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about. They’ll keep the item there temporarily. In this manner, they ensure that you will repay them. Some individuals believe it to be an extra charge for the service. 

5. A Business Like No Other

Bail bonds may be perceived as an aspect of the criminal underworld, but they are insurance firms like any other. They must be well knowledgeable in contract, criminal, and financial law. Additionally, state or federal governments may license and regulate bail bondsmen. The pressure of overcrowding is lessened by allowing those charged with a crime to be released from custody until their trial date. Bail bond companies like this one can help in this situation.

El Paso Bail Bonds

Bail bonds can greatly help ease the stressful situation of the accused and his near ones. If you are looking for a credible resource to get bail bonds in El Paso, TX, contact us for further information and professional guidance.

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Bail Bonds in Texas — Your Go-to Guide

Bail bonds superimposed over an image displaying a gavel, handcuffs, and two 100 dollar bills

Many people accused of crimes in El Paso are stuck in jail pending their trial because of high bail bond amounts. More often than not, this is because the individual cannot afford the bail. The creation of the bail system is not to punish a person for not being financially stable. In fact, the law allows an accused to hire a person to pay the bail bond.

If you’re in El Paso and require bail bond services, give us a call at (915) 877-9293!

What is Bail?

Bail is the release of a person who is in custody awaiting a court hearing or trial either on self-recognizance or on specific conditions such as the payment of a sum of money to the court and the promise to be available in court when required. 

What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond or a surety bond is the amount of money agreed to be paid to the court to effect the release of a person in police custody. 

The bond could either be provided for by:

  • The suspect
  • A bonding company
  • A bail agent
  • A bail bondsman

When a suspect cannot afford to pay the bail sum, they can employ the services of a bonding company or bail agent who will act as a surety and provide money to the court for the person’s bail. 

Key Things To Know About Bail Bonds

While the bail bond system is not legal in most jurisdictions, El Paso, TX—like many other cities in the United States—allows the use of bail bonds as a recognized means of securing the release of a jailed person. 

Usually, most bail bond agents will charge defendants a non-refundable fee of 10-15% of the bond sum as compensation in exchange for paying the full bail amount to the court.

Since the bail agency will be posting the entire bail amount and will bear the loss if the accused person fails to appear in court for the trial, some will require additional collateral, especially if it is a hefty bail sum. The collateral could be items of value or having a notable guarantor sign to bear any cost that may arise from the accused persons’ breaching the bail terms.

After the trial, the court will return the money to the bond’s payer; if you posted bail personally, you get all your money back. If you used a bonding agency, the court returns all the money to the agency; even if you obeyed all the bail terms, the 10% deposit could not be returned to you because it is payment for the bail agent’s services.

How the Court Decides the Bail Sum

Every El Paso, Texas trial court has a “bond schedule.” This schedule is a compass for all magistrates and judges in determining the appropriate bail amount. However, the schedule is merely a guideline; hence, individual judges and magistrates can tweak or adjust the bail sum either upward or downward based on the specific circumstances of a case.

Factors that can influence the courts when fixing the bail amount include the following:

  • The severity of the offense charged; typically, a felony will attract a higher bail sum than a simple misdemeanor.
  • The prior criminal convictions of the defendant; a repeat offender will get a higher bail sum than a first-time offender
  • The bail amount might be higher if the person was out on a bail term before the rearrested for another offense.
  • The bail bond may be higher if the defendant is on probation due to a conviction for another criminal act.
  • The bail bond may be higher if the defendant is considered a threat to the community.
  • Whether the defendant is presumed to be a “flight risk,” that is, the prosecutor can show the court that the defendant would possibly jump bail. 

What Happens When a Person Fails to Follow the Bail’s Bond?

A bail bond does not translate to an unconditional release from jail. Hence, a person released on bail or personal bond must meet certain conditions in the bail order to stay out of jail through the trial. 

When a defendant breaches any of these conditions, such as “skipping or jumping bail,” the court will issue a bench warrant for their immediate arrest. Also, you will forfeit all the money you posted as the bail sum with the court if you do not get any back. If you took out a bail bond, the surety will lose its money and try to recover it from you.

Bail Bonds in El Paso, Texas Today

If you or someone you know has been granted bail for an amount they cannot produce by a court in El Paso, you can reach out to Freedom Bail Bonds. When you employ the services of freedom Bail bonds, you have the assurance that they will take swift actions to secure that release, and they will not spend a moment longer than necessary in jail. 

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Surety Bonds vs Cash Bonds: How to Make the Right Choice

USA Dollar Money Cash, Real Handcuffs And Judge Gavel On Rough Wood Background. Concept For Arrest, Corruption, Bail, Crime, Bribing or Fraud.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and you need a bail bond to get out of jail, there are two possible routes to take. You can bail with a cash bond or a surety bond. The biggest difference between the two is that surety bonds involve more parties while cash bonds do not require this. 

They also differ when it comes to fees and how much money the arrested individual receives in return after their court date. We cover any and every question you have about cash bonds and surety bonds to help you better understand how they differ. 

What is a cash bond?

A cash bond, the simpler of the two, is cash held as a guarantee of payment. When bailing someone out of jail, it is usually much easier to post the full amount in cash. 

When posting bail with cash, the bond court holds the full amount to make sure the arrested shows up for their court date. If you don’t show up for court, they keep your cash. 

Advantages

Cash bonds are relatively simple and easy to understand, which is why they are recommended. If you never have been arrested before, this is the best route to take. The arrested individual can get the majority of their money back after court, with fewer court costs and fees to worry about. Additionally, there is no need to attempt to qualify for a bond. 

Disadvantages

The downside to cash bonds is that you may need to come up with a large quantity of cash. Everyone’s bond is different, depending on what they were arrested for. Most people don’t have that kind of access to large amounts of cash, which could leave the arrested individual stuck in jail as they await their trial. 

If they come up with the cash later on, they may experience problems with liquidity while waiting to receive the cash after court. 

What is a surety bond?

Surety bonds are made when the defendant hires a surety company to pay the bail money. In exchange for covering the bail, a surety company will charge the defendant a fee, which is often 10% of the bail. 

When the defendant shows up for their court date, the surety company is entitled to receive up to $10,000 back from the court and the defendant will get a portion of the 10% fee back. Sometimes, the money given back may be less due to fees charged by the bonding company. 

Advantages 

The best thing about surety bonds is that the defendant can be bailed out right away without having to come up with the cash to cover the entire bond. The defendant only has to worry about paying the small percentage or the standard 10% to the bond company in the meantime and may possibly get this payment back. 

When showing up for court, the defendant doesn’t have to worry about not having enough cash to be able to pay pending payments. 

Disadvantages 

What you need to be aware of when it comes to surety bonds is that a defendant is not always guaranteed to receive one. Surety companies require people to apply for the bond. The company then weighs the potential risks and outcomes before deciding if they want to issue the defendant the bond. 

People with poor chances or poor financial backgrounds may not qualify because, to the company, they do not look financially responsible. Surety bonds also call for higher fees than cash bonds. 

Who pays the bond?

With cash bonds, the defendant or a friend or family member are eligible to pay the full bond amount in cash. If the defendant shows up to their court date, the court returns the full cash amount and no one loses money. 

With surety bonds, more parties are involved. A defendant pays the bail bondsman a non-refundable premium. 

Who is at risk?

The risk always falls on the defendant, even when a bail bond company is involved due to a surety bond. If a defendant fails to pay the full amount, they will be charged extra fees from the surety bond company. When dealing with a cash bond, they will not get their money back if they fail to show up to their court date. 

How do I know what is the better option?

Knowing what works better for you all depends on your situation and how much you can pay upfront. For those who need the money as soon as possible, surety bonds are good options. Cash bonds are better options for people who have the financial means to pay the total bill and do not want to face fees later on. 

Find the Safest Route for You with Help from Freedom Bail 

You can always speak to a professional to learn about which bond is more beneficial. Freedom Bail Bonds of El Paso is here to help. You can contact us at (915) 877-9293 to learn more. 

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9 Important Questions to Ask a Bail Bond Agency

bail

When choosing a bail bond agency to work with, you need a good sense of judgment and all the information you can get about the company. When getting in touch with bail bond companies, you want to ask all the right questions to learn about their services and what exactly they can do to help you. We discuss the most important questions to ask to help narrow down your options.

What is the difference between bail and bond?  

Bail is the full cash payment of the bond order paid by the defendant to the court. Bail money can be returned at the end of trial if court requirements are met. A bond is posted on a defendant’s behalf, by a bail bond company, to secure the release of the defendant. Money paid as a fee for bond services will not be returned. 

How much will you charge for your services?

When you apply for a bond, you pay a certain percentage of the total bail amount to secure the loan. By doing so, you show the bail bond company that you are holding up your end of the loan, which protects them if you fail to pay the bond back in full. The total percentage of bail may vary from company to company. 

Are you licensed?

Bail bond agencies are typically regulated in most states, meaning you can rest assured that you are working with a licensed bail bondsman. With that being said, before agreeing to work with anyone, make sure the bail bondsman is licensed to operate in the state. You can ask for proof of licensing to make sure you are working with a reliable agency. 

What kinds of bail bonds do you provide?

Some bail bond agencies may only offer bonds on certain amounts of bail, meaning some will only work with small bail amounts. That means that there are other agencies that only provide bonds for high-dollar bail amounts. Because of this, do your research to make sure you work with an agency that can help with the bail you have been issued. 

How can I find out where a person is detained or if a bail amount has been set?

A bail bond agency can obtain and provide that information rather quickly. You can also contact the courthouse of the county in which the inmate is being held. Once the courthouse is discovered, a clerk may ask you for information about the inmate including their legal name, birth date, and case number to locate them and provide information on the bail amount. 

Do I need an attorney to post a bond?

You do not need an attorney to post a bond. You can post the full cash bail amount or arrange for a bond through a licensed bondsman or agency without an attorney. 

Do I have to put up collateral?

Bail collateral is offered in place of bail money in order to secure the release of the person who has been arrested, so depending on the situation, you may not have to post collateral. Consider the collateral a form of credit or loan to ensure that the person shows up in court. Collateral can come in many forms of assets. 

How quickly can you get me or a loved one out of jail?

Everyone’s case is different, therefore the time it will take to get you or a loved one out of jail will depend. A bail bondsman can usually provide a timeline regarding how quickly they can get their end of the bail process done. It is important to note that these agencies cannot control how quickly a jailhouse will process the release request. 

What happens once I or a loved one is out?

Once released from jail, you or a loved one are expected to attend all hearings and court dates on time. The bail bond agency you are working with will explain what you need to do in order to meet the terms of your bail. They will also explain what can happen if you miss your court dates or violate any other terms of your release. 

Have More Questions? Contact Us to Learn More  

Almost always, covering the full amount of bail can be rather difficult and out of reach. You don’t have to struggle with coming up with the money you need. Work with an experienced bail bond agency and you’ll be able to process your release as fast as possible. Contact our team to learn more about how we can help. 

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Don’t Be Caught Unawares: 7 Crucial Things To Know About Bail Bonds

Bail bond system, bailing out of jail and innocent until proven guilty conceptual idea with judge wooden gavel, dollar banknotes and handcuffs with copy space

More than 10 million people are arrested each year nationally. If you or a loved one find yourselves among these numbers, you may consider a bail bond as a way to get out of jail. However, you should know a few things before choosing to use a bail bond.

1. Bail Bonds Aren’t a Get Out of Jail Free Card

Some people look at bail bonds as a get-out-of-jail-free card. It’s a common misconception that you can post bail using a bond and never worry about your arrest again. However, this is far from accurate.

For starters, the bond will need to be paid back. In addition to the total amount of your bail, there may be additional fees. Everything must be paid in full, according to the agreement between you and the bond company.

Additionally, there may be non-monetary requirements that have to be met. These usually depend on what you were arrested for. A few examples include:

  • Attending a drug education or rehabilitation program
  • Attending domestic violence or anger management classes
  • Not possessing a firearm
  • Maintaining gainful employment

2. Bail Fees Are Pre-Determined

It isn’t just a random number thrown out there when your bail is set. Instead, bail fees are calculated using pre-determined amounts that consider numerous factors.

A few examples of factors that affect bail fees include:

  • The crime committed
  • Prior convictions
  • Your determined flight risk
  • The severity of the crime

3. Bail Bonds Aren’t a Legal Right

Receiving a bail bond isn’t a legal right. A bond agency has the right to refuse its service to anyone at any time. If you’re well-established in the community and don’t have numerous prior convictions, you’ll likely be approved for a bail bond.

However, bonds are regularly refused to people who are deemed flight risks. But what does “flight risk” really mean?

A flight risk may mean you’ve previously skipped bail or failed to appear in court. It could also mean you don’t have family, a home, or a job in the area. Without these things holding you to the area, it’s assumed to be easier for you to flee.

It’s also important to know that if you flee or fail to show up for court, the bail bond agency can (and will) send someone after you. The person sent to retrieve you may be a bounty hunter or a bail bond enforcement agent.

When the retrieval specialist finds you, they’ll take you back to prison. Once you’ve been returned for fleeing a bail bond, you aren’t eligible to receive another one. This means it’s crucial to make your payments and show up to work on time.

4. Bail Bonds Can Have Multiple Co-signers

You must have at least one co-signer to receive a bail bond. This will be the person who visits the bail bond agency on your behalf. They’ll need to sign the contract along with you.

These co-signers accept responsibility for the person jailed. Essentially, they’re promising the detained person will attend court, won’t run away, and meet other requirements. Each bail bond can have multiple co-signers, but every co-signer will be held liable if the bond contract is broken.

5. There Are Multiple Bond Types

There are different types of bail bonds you might use. Which type is right for your circumstances will depend on your ability to pay or the kind of crime committed.

For example, a federal bail bond is necessary if you’ve been accused of a federal crime. These leverage higher fees and require more collateral compared to alternative options. If you can pay the total bail amount upfront in cash, it’s called a cash bond.

Most people will need to get a surety bond. This is when a third party (like a bail bond agency) agrees to step in and pay if the accused doesn’t make their appearance in court.

An alternative option is a property bond. This is when a property is placed against the bail fees instead of cash or other forms of collateral.

However, collateral can be often used instead of cash for most bail bond types. Commonly used collateral may include vehicles, high-value jewelry, or collectibles.

6. You May Not Have Your Bail Bond Refunded

In some cases, bail can be refunded in whole or part. This happens after a person makes their appearance in court and proves all bond requirements were met. If you paid the bail in cash, you should get your money back after the accused makes their court appearance.

However, you won’t get your money back if you use a surety bond. For a property bond, you’ll retain ownership of the property so long as the court date is attended.

In the unfortunate event that the person making bail doesn’t appear in court, all of the bail is forfeit. If you used collateral, you don’t receive it back. This includes any property placed against the bail.

7. Make the Process Faster by Having the Right Information

Before you contact a bail bond company, you’ll need to gather certain information. This makes the process faster and ensures you (or your loved one) make bail quickly.

You’ll need the full, legal name of the person arrested and the charges they’re being accused of. You’ll also need to know their booking number and the name of the jail where they’re being held.

If you can gather any other information about the arrest, this could be useful. For example, additional information may help determine whether you’re eligible for a bail bond.

Learn More About Bail Bonds

Although these are the most crucial things to know about bail bonds, this doesn’t cover everything. If you still have questions about bail bonds or the process of posting bail, contact us today.