After an arrest, it’s stressful to wait for a court trial behind bars. Not only is waiting in jail unpleasant, but it also removes the defendant’s ability to work and financially provide for their family. Instead of the defendant wasting months in a local jail cell, the defendant’s loved ones can acquire bail bonds for them.
Getting a bail bond is the quickest way for your loved one to get out of jail and await their court date at home. A bail bond is an amount paid to the jail to satisfy the court that the defendant will return for their hearing. Once we place the bail bond, the defendant will be released and is free to go home until their court date.
Below, we’ll walk you through the four types of bail bonds used in Texas.
1. Surety Bonds
Surety bonds are the most popular form of bail bond used in the state of Texas.
This type of bond acts as a loan. If the defendant’s family cannot afford bail, they can contact a third-party bondsman like Delta Bail Bonds. The bail bondsman will post a bond, ensuring the timely release of the defendant.
To acquire a surety bond in Dallas, the defendant must pay the bondsman a percentage of the total posted bail amount– typically 10%. That premium fee is non-refundable and you may also need to sign a contract guaranteeing extra collateral depending on the bail amount. If the defendant shows up at court, you won’t have to pay anything else. Unfortunately, if the defendant skips their court date, your Dallas bonding company must pay the full amount and whoever requested the bail bond becomes liable for repaying the bondsman.
2. Property Bonds
If the defendant or their loved ones can’t afford to pay cash bail they can choose to get a property bond.
Whoever works with the bondsmen to secure a property bond can use their home equity as collateral. This generally represents significant motivation for the defendant to appear in court. Typically, you or the defendant’s house will need to be appraised and acquire a lien. Because this is a time-consuming process, courts usually demand that the property be valued at 150% of the original bail amount before accepting the property bond.
3. Personal Recognizance
Personal recognizance bonds are given when the judge decides the defendant is not a threat to society. Depending on their past criminal record and the conditions or the current charge, the defendant can be released from jail without needing to post the PR bond to a bond company or the court’s registry.
The defendant is more likely to acquire a PR bond and be released if they have beneficial ties to the community, like being a student, employed, or a leader of the community.
After being released on a PR bond, the defendant will need to report to a PR bond office. In Texas, the PR bond associates will monitor the defendant before a trial and will likely charge a “pre-trial service” fee. However, a personal recognizance bond generally means that the defendant can leave without paying a deposit or posting collateral.
4. Attorney Bonds
Several Texas counties allow Attorney Bonds. This means that if you have a lawyer working on your case, they can post bond for you. They just need to confirm that they represent you in some way before they can post bail. Attorney bonds are similar to surety bonds, and you will likely have to pay them a 10% fee like you would a bondsman. The only real difference is that it can sometimes take an attorney longer to secure the bond and they may charge you extra fees for legal representation.
In cases that require extra confidentiality, a lawyer may be helpful… But if you’re looking for a quicker release from jail, a bail bond company is the best way to go.
Delta: Your Dallas Bail Bond Agency
Here at Delta Bail Bonds, we understand the strenuous process of getting arrested and taken to jail. We’re here to help you get out as fast as possible.
Our reliable team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and walk you through the bail bonds process. We pride ourselves on friendly service and convenience. Your privacy is important to us too, and we only use the best secure data practices. If you or a loved one needs help getting out of jail, contact Delta Bail Bonds today. Call us at (214) 526-4272
