Frequently Asked Questions – Bail Bonds

  • 1. What is a bail bond?

    • A bail bond is a financial guarantee provided by a bail bondsman or bonding agency to the court on behalf of a defendant, ensuring their appearance at all required court dates.

  • 2. How does a bail bond work?

    • When someone is arrested and cannot afford to pay their bail in full, they can seek assistance from a bail bondsman. The bondsman charges a non-refundable fee (typically 10% of the total bail amount) and posts the bail on behalf of the defendant, allowing them to be released from custody until their court date.

  • 3. What is a bail bondsman?

    • A bail bondsman, also known as a bail agent or bonding agent, is a licensed individual or agency that provides bail bonds to defendants in exchange for a fee.

  • 4. How much does a bail bond cost?

    • In most states, including Tennessee, bail bond agencies typically charge a non-refundable fee of 10% of the total bail amount. For example, if the bail is $5,000, the fee would be $500.

  • 5. What happens if the defendant fails to appear in court?

    • If the defendant fails to appear in court as required, the court may issue a bench warrant for arrest, and the bail bond may be forfeited. The bondsman may then seek payment from the defendant or their co-signer for the full bail amount.

  • 6. Can bail bonds be used for any type of crime?

    • Bail bonds can generally be used for most crimes, with some exceptions for serious offenses such as capital crimes or offenses involving terrorism.

  • 7. Do I need collateral to obtain a bail bond?

    • In some cases, collateral may be required to secure a bail bond, especially for larger bail amounts. Collateral can include assets such as property, vehicles, or bank accounts.

  • 8. Can I bail someone out of jail if I'm out of state?

    • Yes, you can still jail someone if you're out of state. Many bail bond agencies offer services nationwide and can assist you remotely.

  • 9. How long does the bail process take?

    • The bail process typically takes a few hours, but it can vary depending on the jail's processing time and the case's complexity.

Have a question? Give us a call at (276) 328-1771.