For someone who has been arrested for the very first time the bail bonds process can be a complete mystery. The same goes for someone who has a friend or loved one who has recently been arrested. The information about bail bonds may vary from state to state, but some general facts remain the same across the board. Here are some lesser known facts about bail bonds and bail bondsmen in Texas that you should know.
Bail Bonds Are Not Accessible Everywhere
Bail bonds are readily available in Texas; however, some states have restrictions when it comes to private bail bonds, meaning you may need to use your own funds to get yourself or your loved one out of jail. These states include:
- Wisconsin
- Kentucky
- Nebraska
- Illinois
- Washington D.C.
- Maine
- Oregon
- Massachusetts
Bail Money Is Not Required in All Situations
There are some situations where bail money is not required. It really depends on why the person was arrested. For small misdemeanor crimes, a judge may allow the defendant to be released on their own recognizance. This is a verbal promise that they will return to court for their trial without trying to flee or breaking the terms of their release by committing additional crimes or reoffending.
Bail Must Be a Reasonable Amount
According to the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, excessive bail amounts and fines that are imposed in a cruel manner or that inflicts unusual punishment on the defendant are not acceptable. Bail must be fair, fitting of the crime, but not punitive.
Bail Bond Agents Are Responsible for the Defendant
It is important to note that bail bondsmen are directly involved with the defendant. Once the defendant gets bail from a bail bondsman, it puts the bondsman responsible of the accused. So, in a way, they have more rights than police. Bail bondsman hold the right to pursue the accused using a bounty hunter across all state borders until they are captured.
Attending the Trials Doesn’t Mean the Bail Bond Is Over
Another important fact about the bail bonds process is that attending the trial does not end the process. There are additional criteria to get back the bond money other than appearing for all court dates. The accused may need to comply with all regulations set by the bail bond agency and the court. Some defendants will need to enroll in a drug education and rehabilitation program or stay within the state for a certain period of time. Whatever restrictions and regulations are set on the client, if they fail to meet any of these criteria, they may lose their collateral and bail money.
Bail Amounts Are Predetermined
It is important for defendants to know that bail amounts are usually predetermined and not established on a whim by the judge. The bail amounts are generally based on how severe the crime is and the type of crime. The more serious and dangerous the crime is, the higher the bail amount. This is to increase the incentive that the person will abide by the terms of their bail conditions and not be a risk to the community.
Bail Can Be Denied or Revoked
There are circumstances when bail can be denied or revoked. If a defendant is considered to be a flight risk or a serious danger to society, the judge has the right to deny them bail. If the defendant does get bail, it can be revoked after it has been paid if the individual violates their conditions of release. They will be recaptured and sent back to jail without getting their bail amount back.
Rearrests Can Relieve a Co-Signer’s Liability
When a defendant posts bail with a co-signer, the co-signer takes full liability if the arrested individual receives bail. However, if the defendant gets arrested again before their court appearance, the bond is surrendered, and the co-signer is no longer liable to the defendant.
Bail Bondsmen Can Reject Clients
Although bail bonds services are available in the state of Texas, individual bondsmen can occasionally choose to deny someone who is seeking bail. When someone co-signs for a bail bond, they take on the full responsibility for the defendant and must ensure that they do not miss their court appearances. However, if the co-signer is too young, financially unstable, or does not have enough collateral the bondsman may deny bail if they suspect that the co-signer is not a strong enough signer for the situation.
Learn More about Local Bail Bonds in Texas
Bail in Texas can be a complicated subject to fully understand and if someone you love has been arrested, time is of the essence. You don\’t have time to shop around bail bonds companies to find the right support for your situation. You need answers and solutions quickly so your loved one does not have to spend too much time behind bars. If you are looking for the right team to help get your loved one out of jail, we can help.
PCS Bail Bonds can help you if you need to post bail or need advice about your situation. We provide 24-hour bail bonds for all kinds of charges including theft, drug possession, embezzlement, assault, and more. Our experienced agents can help you obtain a bond in a fraction of the time it takes other agencies.
We have professional memberships in several renowned associations including the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, and Professional Bondsmen of Tarrant County. We serve clients in Fort Worth, Texas, and other municipalities in Tarrant County. We process our clients’ requests quickly and efficiently because we understand this process can be frustrating and risky.
Contact us now by phone at 817-335-1655, at our e-mail, visit in-person, or fill out our bail bond request form. You can be confident that you’re working with experts who are dedicated to helping you.