Many defendants lack the financial means to post their own bail. To secure release, they may contract a commercial bond agent to act as surety for the bond. The agent posts bail after collecting a nonrefundable fee (typically 10 to 20 percent) from the defendant or family or friends. Assuming the defendant doesn't have money to give the agent as security, an agent will obtain other collateral, such as jewelry, securities, or electronics. In return, the bail bond agent agrees to pay the remaining amount to the court if the defendant fails to appear.

Understanding the role of bail bond agents will help you make the right decision if you find yourself arrested on criminal charges. Learn more below.

Bail Bond Agents: The Basics

There are approximately 14,000 bail bond agents in the United States. Most states require a bond agent to be licensed. However, the license typically isn't specifically for bonding purpose, but rather for property and casualty insurance. To obtain the license, the applicant must meet certain educational requirements. This allows a potential bail bondsman to be appointed by an insurance company to write bail bonds.

The defendant pays the agent for writing the bond. In turn, the agent pays the insurance company a premium. The bail agent is responsible for bond payment in the event a defendant fails to appear and can't be located. Typically, bail bondsmen have arrangements with local courts, under which they agree to post a blanket bond. The bond frees the bondsman from having to deposit cash or property with the court every time a new client is taken on. Should any of a bondsman's clients fail to appear at trial, the court will be paid with the bond.

How Do Bail Bond Agents Ensure Court Appearances?

To ensure a defendant's appearance in court, a bail bond agent may require a defendant to check in by telephone or in person, or may require the defendant to be monitored in some other way. In extreme cases, a bail bondsperson may place a guard on the defendant. A bail bondsman is not obligated to post bail if the agent concludes a defendant isn't likely to fulfill the obligations of the bond.

If a defendant fails to appear, the court will usually issue a bench warrant and forfeit any of the defendant's bail. Once a bench warrant is issued, a bail bond agent then has the ability to hire a bounty hunter to find and apprehend the defendant in exchange for a percentage of the bail forfeited to the court.

Limitations on Commercial Bond Agents

Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, and Wisconsin have outlawed the practice of posting bond for profit. In those jurisdictions, a defendant may be allowed to satisfy the requirements of the bond by posting 10 percent of the bail amount with the court. Some other jurisdictions, such as Maine and Nebraska, allow commercial bail on a limited basis.

Dealing with Bail or Bail Bond Agents and Need Help? Contact an Experienced Attorney Today

Posting bail can be a financial gamble. Before you use your resources to post bail for yourself or someone you love, know the legal implications and consequences of failing to appear after posting bail. To learn more about bail bonds agents, bail forfeiture, or your criminal case in general, get in touch with a local criminal defense attorney today.