The only thing most people know about bail bonds is what they see on TV legal dramas. However, they often have a little understanding of the process, and a lot of questions. Bond agents, such as the staff at Liberty Bail Bonds, are accustomed to answering queries about Emergency Bail Bonds in Minnesota. Some of the most common include:
* WHAT IS BAIL?: When a person is arrested and accused of a crime, a judge reviews their case, and sets an amount for bail, which is actually a guarantee. The idea is that the defendant will pay a large sum of money to the courts, which is held until they fulfill all of their legal obligations. It is then returned to them.
* WHAT IS A BAIL BOND?: The amounts of Emergency Bail Bonds in Minnesota can vary widely, and are often far more than defendants are able to pay immediately. As a result, professional bond agents offer a bond – or guarantee – that the defendant will appear in court. If the person does not appear, the bail bonds professional has to pay the bail amount to the court.
* HOW DOES BOND WRITING WORK? : Anyone who is arrested has the right to call a bond agent, who will respond immediately. These professionals gather personal information, including the defendant’s name, the amount of bond, and whether or not the accused has a police record. Agents will then go to the jail, and arrange the bond. They usually charge a 10% premium for the service, and assume responsibility for the rest of the bail amount. Depending on the defendant’s credit score, work history, and time in their home, agents may write a signature bond, which requires no collateral. However, they can request a co-signer and collateral, which is personal property that is used as security.
* CAN AGENTS ARREST DEFENDANTS WHO DON’T APPEAR IN COURT?: Most bond agents simply contact clients, and urge them to turn themselves in. They also may pick up defendants themselves. When clients refuse to cooperate, the police or bounty hunters may be used to find and return them to custody.
Bail bonds agents get most defendants out of jail quickly, and guarantee their appearance in court. In exchange for a fee, agents assume responsibility for bail amounts that the courts have set. Agents can arrange to have clients apprehended if they fail to appear in court.
