Usually, when you are arrested you have two options: to remain in jail or to post bail to be released until the hearing. Most cases require you to post collateral or money to be released on bail. Bail bond agents can offer surety bonds, formerly known by Galveston bail bonds. Continue reading to learn more about bail bonds.
What You Need To Know About Bail and Galveston Bail Bonds
Your attorney may lower your bail amount
Common crimes have pre-determined bail amounts. Others may require a bond hearing to determine an appropriate bail amount. Your attorney may file for a reduction hearing if bail is excessive.
Your attorney will most likely use the Eighth Amendment to the US Constitution. This prohibits excessive bail. This may be done by proving that you are not a danger to the community or a flight risk. They might also accuse you of refusing bail, claiming that the bail was set so high that there is no way for you to pay it.
Courts don’t have the right to reduce bail because you cannot afford it. Your attorney will need to prove that you are a good citizen while you wait for your trial.
Bail Bonds can be secured or unsecured
Secured bail bonds in Galveston, as the name implies, are just that. While bail bondsmen may sometimes require collateral, in most cases a qualified cosigner will suffice. A secure bond is when a bail bondsman needs actual collateral to hold the bondsman. A secured bail bond requires collateral. This could be a car, property or jewelry. This is a promise that you will attend your hearing. It also serves as security in the event that the bail bond agent loses the bond money they have posted on your behalf. They can at most, sell your collateral to recover their losses to court.
An unsecured bail bond doesn’t require collateral. This makes it an attractive option if you don’t have any property or other valuable assets. These unsecured bail bonds can be accepted by your bail agent as your written agreement to appear in court. These bonds are usually only used in minor cases. An unsecured bond is not available to someone who has been charged with murder.
Bail Bonds may require a cosigner
A cosigner may be required if you request an unsecured bail bail bond. Unfortunately, bail bond agents do not know you and aren’t trustworthy. They will want someone who is familiar with you, and will stand behind you by their promise to attend all your hearings.
If you decide to run, the bail agent will pursue your cosigner for the amount you owe them for forfeiting bail bonds. If your cosigner is unsure if you will be there, they can contact the bail agent to request that the bond be retracted. This is known as off-bonding.
Be Ready to Pay Your Bond Fees
The court will exonerate the bail bond agent from any further liability if you show up for all hearings and comply with all rules. This means that your cosigner will also be exonerated. The bail bond agent charges 10 percent of the total bail amount to cover their costs. The court and the bondsman do not reimburse this 10 percent. It is not refundable according to Galveston law.
People often need bail bonds to get out of jail and prepare for trial. Contact us today to learn more or to request a bail bonds.
