Emotions run high after an arrest. The primary focus becomes getting a defendant released from jail and home. Defendants and their loved ones often use Bail Bonds in Upper Marlboro MD to accomplish this goal. However, until they are faced with an arrest situation themselves, most of what people know about the bail process is learned from television shows and movies. Keep reading for more information about the bail bond process.
What is Bail?
Bail is essentially a promise. The judge assigned to a criminal case will consider the severity of the crime and the defendant’s flight risk and set a bail amount. The more severe the crime or more likely the defendant will flee, the higher the bail amount. Once the bail amount is deposited with the court, the defendant will be released from custody. However, the defendant will need to promise to return to court for all of their obligations. Once those obligations have been met, regardless of the court’s verdict, the bail amount will be returned.
Why Use a Bail Bond?
Sometimes, the judge will set the bail higher than a defendant can realistically afford. This is where Bail Bonds in Upper Marlboro MD come in. A defendant or their loved ones will obtain a bail bond to cover the amount of the bail. They will pay a percentage of the bail amount to the bondsman as a fee, and the bail bond company will post the full bail amount to the court, securing the defendant’s release. Depending on the type of bond purchased, there may be collateral or additional payments required. Discuss the specifics with the bail bond company before obtaining the bond so there are no surprises. Browse our website for more information.
Finding a Reputable Company
Ask detention officers or the defendant’s lawyer for recommendations for reputable bail bond companies. Alternately, look in the phone book or read reviews online. Look for companies with mostly positive reviews, and pay close attention to ones that have a well-established history in the local area.
Most bail bond companies will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Bail bondsmen are required to be licensed in Maryland, and that license must be renewed annually. Verify the bail bond company is licensed to avoid using a disreputable organization.
