In Ohio, defendants have different options for getting out of jail after an arrest. The most common method for securing pre-trial release is posting a surety bond – often referred to as a bail bond. This is when an agreement is signed between the court and a third-party guarantor (the bail bond company). The guarantor agrees to pay the entire amount of the bail if the defendant does not show up, and the defendant must reimburse the bail bond company. Because of the professional relationship between the defendant and the agency, working with a trustworthy and reliable company is crucial.
If you need help through the bail bond process in Columbus, call Andy Callif Bail Bonds at (614) 945-4334 or contact us online.
Bail Is Set After an Arrest
After an arrest, a judge will typically set a bail amount. Bail is given to the court to guarantee that the defendant will appear at all subsequent hearings and trials related to their case.
When setting bail, a judge may consider the following:
- The severity of the crime
- Prior criminal history
- Flight risk
- The defendant’s character
In some cases, the judge could decide to hold the defendant without granting bail.
Types of Bail Available in Ohio
In Ohio, multiple types of bail are available. One type is called own recognizance, which means a person does not need to post any money for bail. The defendant signs the paperwork and agrees to appear for all court hearings.
Another type of bail is an appearance bond, wherein the defendant posts 10% of the bail amount. They’ll receive 90% of this money after their case, provided they have made all court appearances.
A cash bond requires full payment upfront. Typically, the funds come from the defendant’s own pockets. In some cases, friends or family members might help.
Lastly, a surety bond requires posting collateral to guarantee an appearance in court by the defendant.
While every situation is different, understanding each type of bail can help people make informed decisions on behalf of their loved ones if involved in a criminal case.
What Is a Bail Bond and How Does It Work?
In many cases, the cost of bail is too high for individuals to pay out of pocket. Therefore, they may get a bail bond to secure pre-trial release.
A bail bond is a binding agreement between the court and a surety, usually in the form of a professional bail bondsman. The court allows an accused to be released before trial in exchange for a bond guaranteeing their return to court on assigned dates.
If the accused does not appear in court as instructed, the surety becomes responsible for settling the full amount of bail and other fees associated with the release. The bail bond company then contacts the defendant, cosigners, and other acquaintances to recover the remaining balance of the bail bond. However, if the defendant appears for all hearings, they do not owe the agency any more money unless they are under a payment plan.
Bail bonds are often necessary to keep people out of jail while awaiting trial and allow them to remain in society and continue with work or other responsibilities.
How Much Do Bail Bonds Cost?
The cost of a bail bond will depend on the bail amount. Generally, a bail bond company will charge a 10% premium and applicable fees. Thus, the price for a $10,000 bail will differ from that of a $5,000 bail.
What to Expect When Using a Bail Bond Agency
The bail bond process isn’t too complicated, but it can be overwhelming in a time of great stress. Understanding what is expected of the defendant and any cosigner is vital to ensure the entire process goes smoothly.
Before drafting a contract, the bond company will likely discuss the defendant’s and cosigner’s responsibilities. Asking questions and clarifying information before agreeing to the terms of service is crucial.
The defendant or cosigner may be asked to provide collateral, like property or cash, to secure the bail bond and the defendant’s release.
Overall, working with a reputable bail bond company can be helpful following an arrest.
Tips for Finding a Reliable and Trustworthy Bail Bond Company
When bailing a loved one out of jail, you want to work with an experienced, knowledgeable, and honest company. Research your options: read reviews, ask friends or family in your community if they have any recommendations, and look for customer feedback. Once you have narrowed down potential companies, ask about their rates and services. Also, ensure that the bonding agency is properly licensed by the state.
At Andy Callif Bail Bonds, we help those in Columbus and the surrounding areas through the bail bond process. Contact us at (614) 945-4334 today.