Bail is a very confusing and stressful subject, more so when someone has managed to get themselves or a loved one into a legal mess. Anyone going through the criminal justice system will be better off knowing the ins and outs of bail bonds. Many misconceptions surround bail as well as bail bond services across locations such as Pasadena, Texas. This article aims at clearing up some of the most well-known myths surrounding bail bonds in Pasadena Texas, by giving you insight into what bail bonds are, how they work, and what you can expect if you ever find yourself needing to have a bail bond.
Understanding Bail and Bail Bonds
What Is Bail?
Bail is the commitment of money in terms of which a person charged with the crime will remain in jail until the trial. That is, essentially, bail serves as an undertaking that the defendant will appear before the hearings scheduled by the court. Once the court determines bail, it then fixes an amount based on considerations that include the seriousness of the crime suspected, the background of the criminal cases of the suspect, and the flight risk.
What Are Bail Bonds?
If a defendant cannot post bail in its entirety, he or she can seek the services of a bail bond agent. The bail bond is a type of surety; it is issued by a bail bond agent to the court for his or her release, but the defendant or, in most cases, the co-signer pays a non-refundable fee. This typically runs around 10-15% of the total amount of the bail. The premium is the price for the bond service. It assures that the bail bond agent bears the risk of the defendant failing to appear in court.
Myths about Bail Bonds in Pasadena, Texas
1. Myth: All Bail Bond Agents Charge the Same Fee
Probably one of the greatest misconceptions, or misperceptions, would be that all bail bondsmen charge the same rate. This may be somewhat true because Texas does regulate the amount they are allowed to charge, which typically is 10% or so. Agents can vary their rate according to costs as well as other influences on the operational side of the business. It is wise for the defendant and his/her family to discuss fees beforehand and to at least carefully read the contract before signing it.
2. Myths: Paying Bail Ensures Bail Out
Many have believed that paying the bail guarantees the release of the defendant. Actually, though bail allows for that possibility, it is still the discretion of the court. There are times when the court will deny a person’s request for bail, especially when the crime is serious or the person would become a flight risk. Thus, a bail bond does not necessarily mean the defendant will walk out of jail.
3. Myth: Bail Bonds Are Only for Serious Crimes
Another false perception is that only in very serious crimes are bail bonds used. The fact of the matter is, however, that bail bonds can be used in situations involving many kinds of cases misdemeanor charges, for that matter. It may be charges of theft or drug-related offenses or else simple ones, but on the other hand, a bail bond can be established for the release of the defendant. Usually, it’s the seriousness of the offense that determines how much one has to pay for bail; however, in the case of using bail bonds, the importance is otherwise.
4. Myth: Bail Money Lost If Defendant Skips Court
Most people think that once a defendant skips court, all the money he posted as bail is automatically lost. This happens to be true; the bail is indeed forfeited if the defendant fails to appear, though the financial implications are much more complicated in the case of bail bonds work. The primary difference between bail bond activities is if the bail was posted on behalf of the defendant. The agent may be able to get the defendant and the co-signer to pay the full bail amount. The court would keep the forfeited bail, and someone filing litigation against the individual who skipped court could be expected.
5. Myth: You Can’t Get Bail for Drug Offenses
Though most people will agree that those charged with drugs cannot be granted bail, that is a fallacy. While the nature of a charge on drugs might raise considerable issues concerning the amount that the court could set for such a person, a defendant charged with drug-related crimes can still be granted bail. Even in cases of drug charges, for instance, bail bond agents can assist in such a case.
6. Myth: Bail Bond Agents Are Scammers
The negative stereotypes tied to the bail bond industry have led many to conclude that all bail bond agents are dishonest, unscrupulous thieves. As with any industry, there certainly exist criminals within this business; however, most legitimate bail bond agents strive to offer a very much-needed service to the accused when they need it most. They comprehend their role in helping facilitate the movement of people through what can be an extremely stressful phase and make earnest efforts to act responsibly and professionally.
7. Myth: You Can Get Bail Money Back After Court
However, many think that the amount paid in bail is refundable once a court case goes to its conclusion. If you pay bail directly to the court, the answer is yes: the amount of bail is usually returned once the case ends successfully. But if you hired a bail bond agent who handled the process, then the fee you paid to the agent for his services is non-refundable and is not returned once the court case ends, win or lose.
8. Myth: You Have to be a Family Member to Co-Sign a Bail Bond
There are numerous people who believe in this saying which goes that a person has to be a family member in order to qualify as a co-signer for a bail bond. The fact is, anybody can co-sign if he or she has good financial standing and good terms with the defendant. And, his or her friends, coworkers, or anybody that he or she might know can potentially co-sign for a bail bond, subject to requirements made by the bail bond agent.
9. Myth: Bail Bond Services Are Unnecessary in the Case of Minor Offenses
There are many people who believe that the need for bail bonds is limited to minor offenses; people just have to wait for court. The truth of the matter is that irrespective of the offense, staying in jail would mean huge personal and professional backlash. With Pasadena, TX Bail Bonds, one is released quickly, and they can get on with life until their trial.
10. Myth: Bail Bonds Are Too Complicated
Most people find the process of a bail bond too complicated and trying to understand. Even though the judicial system is quite complex, getting a bail bond with the service of a professional agent is not as complicated as it would seem. With extensive training in paper handling, these agents are ready to be able to clearly explain the terms of the bond to them and help the defendant and his family along each step of the way.
Conclusion
Understanding what’s real in bail bonds is important for anyone, anyway, who might end up being caught in a situation involving criminal justice. This will help break down some of the many common misconceptions about bail bonds in Pasadena, Texas.
Bail bonds do help the prisoners search for release with the help of it, which awaits a hearing. Getting a responsible bail bond agent does make defending in court much easier while helping and taking care of realities in the process. This does encourage the defendants as well as family members to face a trial and take any bitter moment that comes along with it. It may ensure proper preparation of cases while getting proper information about one’s circumstances.
