If you or your loved one has been arrested, it’s important to know that you have options. There are many types of bail bonds available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, and a cash bond can get you out of a jam if your situation allows it.
While many people opt to hire the services of a bail bonds agent in Fort Worth, others prefer to post bail on their own using a cash bond.
What is a cash bail bond and how does it differ from other types of bonds? PCS Bail Bonds can tell you what you need to know about cash bail bonds in Tarrant County and whether they are the best solution for you or your loved one.
What Is a Cash Bond and How Does It Work?
A cash bond is a type of bail bond where the full bail amount must be paid in cash or certified funds to secure the release of a defendant from jail. It is also known as a “cash-only bond” or “cash bail.” When a cash bond is used, the entire bail amount set by the court must be paid upfront. Cash bonds can be paid in the form of cash, debit, or credit card.
Here’s how a cash bond typically works:
- Bail Amount Set: After an arrest, a judge determines the bail amount based on various factors such as the severity of the alleged offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the risk of flight. The bail amount is the sum of money required for the defendant’s release.
- Cash Bond Payment: To secure the defendant’s release, the full bail amount specified by the court must be paid in cash or certified funds directly to the court or jail facility. This payment is held by the court as collateral to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court for all scheduled hearings.
- Court Proceedings: Once the cash bond is paid, the defendant is released from custody. They must appear at all required court proceedings as mandated by the judge. Failure to appear may result in the forfeiture of the cash bond and the issuance of an arrest warrant.
- Case Resolution: The case proceeds through the court system, and upon its conclusion, if the defendant complies with all court requirements, including attending all hearings, the cash bond is returned, minus any applicable fees or fines imposed by the court.
Cash Bond Versus Surety Bond
In contrast, a normal surety bond, commonly known as a bail bond, involves the services of a bail bondsman or bail bond agency. With a surety bond, the defendant pays a percentage of the total bail amount (typically 10%) to the bail bondsman, who then provides a guarantee to the court for the full bail amount. The bail bondsman assumes responsibility for ensuring the defendant’s appearance in court. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail bondsman may be required to pay the full bail amount to the court.
The main difference between a cash bond and a surety bond is the method of payment and who assumes the financial responsibility. A cash bond requires the full bail amount in cash, while a surety bond involves paying a percentage to a bail bondsman who provides the guarantee.
Who Can Post a Cash Bond?
Courts typically allow the defendant, a family member, or a third party (e.g. a close friend or bail bondsman) to post a cash bail bond.
Posting a cash bail bond in Fort Worth is rather simple. Typically, the defendant (or whoever is posting bail) pays the bond at the jail’s cashier window and then a bond receipt is issued.
Keep in mind that whoever is posting bail must be able to pay in full for the bond. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the full bail amount will be forfeited to the court and the court will issue a warrant for their arrest. Also, as mentioned above, if the defendant is found to be guilty, the money for the cash bond will not be returned—even if the defendant complied with all the terms and conditions of the bond.
How PCS Bail Bonds Can Help You
One of the biggest disadvantages of a cash bond is that the defendant or his/her family must come up with a large sum of cash. Not many people have access to that kind of money, especially on such short notice. That’s why using the services of a Tarrant County bail bondsman could be beneficial.
At PCS Bail Bonds, we know that getting arrested is never a convenient experience. With our bail bonds in Fort Worth, we make it quick and easy to get you or your loved one the type of bail bond you need, no matter what the charge is. In fact, we provide 24-hour bail bonds in Texas for all kinds of charges including theft, drug possession, embezzlement, assault, and more.
To learn more about the types of bail bonds we provide in Tarrant County, contact us by phone at 817-335-1655, at our email, visit in-person, or fill out our bail bond request form.