While the terms “bail” and “bond” are often used interchangeably and have the same effect, i.e. temporary freedom, they are actually quite different. When a suspect is arrested for a crime and booked into jail, they go before the judge who will then decide the terms and conditions of the suspect’s bail order. In some circumstances, such as when the suspect is considered a threat to society or a flight risk, bail can be denied. In most cases however, a suspect can be released from jail until the time of trial – as long as the suspect either pays a cash bail or a third party agrees to a bond; to be responsible for the debt or obligation of the suspect.
Cash Bail
Bail is the amount that the court demands be paid to secure a suspects release from jail on the understanding that the suspect will return for trial or forfeit the bail. For example, if the court sets your bail at $10,000, you have to pay the court $10,000 in order to get out of jail until your trial. If you do everything you are supposed to including show up for your hearing, that money is refunded (whether or not you are found innocent or guilty of the accused crime). If you do not show up for your hearing, the court keeps the money, a warrant is put out for your arrest and you could possibly be brought up on new criminal charges of failure to appear.
Bond (also known as a “Bail Bond“)
If the court sets your bail at $10,000 and you don’t have the cash, Ajua Bail Bonds would be happy to work out a payment arrangement that meets your needs. Bail bond companies like Ajua have good credit and the courts will allow you to get released on bail if we vouch for you and pay the bail monies with a guarantee that you return to court. In exchange you have to pay a percentage of the bail to us; the bail bond company. For example, we may secure your release and charge you $1,000 (10% of the bail amount). This allows you get out of jail until your trial, the court has an assurance that you won’t flee and we get $1,000. It’s a win, win, win that leaves everybody happy.
What if you Don’t Show up for your Court Date?
If you don’t show up for your court date after securing a bail bond, the bail bondsman will hire bounty hunters to look for you. Bounty hunters excel at their ability to track people down. The last place you want to find yourself is on the run with a bounty hunter in pursuit. If you do get a bail bond; don’t skip town. You will be on the run for the rest of your life. When you need a bail bond in the Central Valley, contact Ajua Bail Bonds. We are available 24/7 to assist you.
