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How Does Bail Work?

Bail is confusing to many people. Angela Maxwell Bail Bonds has comprised a list of some of the more common questions from customers. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, please give us a call so we can assist you. It is our main priority to remove the bail confusion so you can make clear and sound decisions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Bail is a financial arrangement that a bail bonding agency will make on behalf of the defendant. The bail bondsman, acting for the defendant, arranges with the court to have a suspect released from jail pending the trial. This is completed in exchange for money and/or collateral, which may be cash, assets, or a bond.

There are three options for release of a defendant: A). Surety Bond (a bail bond) A bail bondsman is used to purchase a bond.  You will pay a fee and may need to use some form of collateral.  B). Posting cash for the full amount of the bond with the court or jail; C). Release On Own Recognizance (O.R.) A watch commander or a judge will decide to let the defendant go on their ‘Own Recognizance’ (O.R.)

The paperwork takes approximately 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the transaction. The release time can be one hour or less for local police stations and 6-12 hours in a county jail. Please remember that these times are not guaranteed, but general time frames.

Yes!!  Everything is done online. No need to leave home at all. 

The bail premium is non-refundable. The premium is fully earned once the defendant is released from custody. Furthermore, while out on a bail bond, if the defendant gets arrested for another charge, the collateral is not refunded. 

First a judge issues a bench warrant for the person to be arrested. The defendant’s name is then entered into a nationwide database (NCIC) as a fugitive. The Bail Agency is informed of the defendants’ failure to appear and obligated by law to return the individual to the proper jurisdiction. 

We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Apple Cash, Debit Cards, and Zelle. We do offer payment plans with low down payments! We also offer affordable bail bonds for everyone.