A bail bond, or civil bond, is an agreement between a bail agent and a defendant in a legal case. A civil bail bond is employed in many civil court cases and secures the payment of fees, plus legal costs and interest, against the defendant when he or she fails to appear in court. The bail amount usually varies by state but is usually based on the crime committed, the amount of money that the defendant has, and the risk of the defendant not appearing. The defendant must post a bond with his or her bond agent. Here is everything you need to know about bail bonds West Chester PA.
Surety and Cash Bonds
While there are many types of bail bonds, the two most common types are a surety bond and cash bond. A surety bond can be done with a company other than the defendant, such as a business. A surety bond is more likely to result in a higher bail amount because it requires the surety that the defendant will appear. A cash bond usually does not require a surety bond and is therefore often cheaper.
Finding the Best Bond
There are many ways to find a good surety bond service. One of the best ways is to ask close friends or family members for recommendations. Another is to do a search on the Internet. If you have a friend who has recently been in jail, is on probation, has had a prior DUI/ DWI arrest, or any other criminal charges, then you may want to check out their references. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person you are dealing with, and that you feel comfortable with the conditions of the contract.
Shop Around for a Bondsmen
You should also shop around to see if you can find bondsmen willing to offer a cash bond or a surety bond in combination with some type of collateral. Collateral can be property owned by the bondsman such as real estate, jewelry, or vehicles. When a bondsman offers a combination of forms of collateral, you could get a better rate or package deal. Your bondsman would have to weigh the risk of loaning you money against the possibility of loaning you property if you are unable to appear in court. Although the risk of loaning money against collateral is higher than risking your property, the price difference may be worth it to you depending on your financial situation.