Bail Bonds Cost - How Much Does It Cost?

There are so many things that are factored into the cost of bail bonds. These may include the amount to be paid in bailing the defendant, the particular area he is residing, deciding whether to use an agent or not, or whether or not you are taking out a loan to pay the fee. These factors will either increase the overall bailing fee or decrease it.

Using an Agent for bail bonds

If you have opted to use an agent, then you will be charged for the service. Usually, the fee will be determined by the amount the person is being bailed. So, an agent might collect around 10 to 20% of the bond fee. The fee is for services rendered to secure the bond and representing the defendant in the judicial proceedings. This rate will vary from state to state as each state might set its own percentage.

There are other charges that are included in the bail bonds. There is a 10 dollar nonrefundable fee charged by the sheriff. Also the insurance firm will collect about $30 for underwriting your bond through the agent. These charges are separate from the initial 15% fee you are expected to pay for the service.

But if one is funding the bailing amount in another way rather than direct payments, he won't be paying the insurance fee but still needs to pay the 10 dollar sheriff's fee. If you prefer to fund the bailing amount with credit card, you are likely to pay any charges on the amount.

If the defendant does not appear in court, he might lose all the money he has previously deposited with the court. This will to a large extent increase the overall cost of the bond.

This can be prevented if the agent and the defendant work together in order be compliant In a situation where the defendant disappears and requires the apprehension of the bondsman, you will bear the cost the bondsman will incur in trying to local and bring the defendant back.

Return of Collateral or the Bail Money

If the defendant adheres to the requirements of the court and is present in court for the proceedings, the collateral or bond money you paid to the bondsman or the court will be returned back after the case has been concluded. But this will not include all the non-refundable fees that have been mentioned above.