Getting arrested in Texas is no cake walk. Spending time in jail, facing consequences if you are found guilty, and having your public reputation ruined from news reports and word of mouth can change your life for the worse. That’s why many defendants try to post bail to get out of jail until their trial. Unfortunately, for the average citizen and depending on the crime, affording bail can seem impossible. Certain circumstances make it very difficult for defendants to get out of jail with a bond, because they simply cannot afford it. That’s where a bail bondsman in Texas comes in. When bail in Texas is high, they can ensure that you dish out less cash or collateral to get out of jail. Why are bondsmen so valuable? Here’s what you need to know.
Texas Bail and Bail Bonds
In the United States, the constitution states each person has the right to post bail. If anyone is accused of a crime and arrested, they can avoid jail time and continue living their normal life until their trial date, as long as they can afford the bail amount. Their freedom is granted until and if they are found guilty of the accusations. In Texas, bail is defined as the security given to an accused individual to guarantee they will return to court for their trial. In most cases, the defendant will be issued a personal bond or a bail bond.
Since most people cannot afford cash bail, bail bonds come in very handy. These bonds, available through a bail bonds company, will allow the defendant to pay the bail up front.
The Role of Bail Bondsmen in Texas
In Texas, once someone has been arrested for a crime, the judge will set bail. This amount depends on the crime, extenuating circumstances surrounding it, and the criminal history of the suspect. For example, if the defendant has a record of previous violent crimes, or who is charged with resisting arrest, their bail amount would be higher than someone who shoplifted a small amount and has no prior arrests. There are some cases where the judge would release someone on their own recognizance, which means that they would not need to pay for their release but would be required to make their trial.
The bail bondsman’s role here is to help those who cannot afford their bail amount. Once the judge has set the bail amount, the defendant can contact a bail bonds company and they will put up the money. Then, the defendant can continue working, return home, and spend time with their loved ones during their pretrial period.
Bail Bondsman Fees
Bail bonds companies typically charge 10% of the total bail amount to the defendant, which makes it much more affordable for the average citizen. Some companies charge even less, depending on the circumstances of the case. This 10% is paid to the bondsman for taking on the liability of the full bail amount. Although the defendant needs to pay this fee, is it far less costly than going without this service and paying full bail to get out of jail.
Concerns about Bail Bonds in Texas
Bail bonds in Texas require a non-refundable premium or fee, which is usually 10%t of the bail amount set by the judge. If the defendant cannot put up that 10% or afford full bail, they may be able to put up some type of collateral. This collateral can include jewelry, vehicles, property, or other valuables equal to the premium or bail amount. If the defendant doesn’t have any valuable collateral, they may need someone like a friend or relative to put up their own money or property to guarantee bail.
It is important to note that the bondsman has significant ability to pursue the defendant if they do not show up on their court date. They can hire a bounty hunter to find the defendant after failure to appear, and they are not held to the same restrictions or standards as police officers in Texas.
How PCS Bail Bonds Can Help
Although parts of the United States have been going through changes in bail reform, it’s important to understand what is available in your State. Choosing the right bail bondsman can make all the difference in how you or your loved one spends their time until their trial date. Spending time in jail because you cannot afford bail should not be your only option, which is why PCS Bail Bonds provides 10% lower bond fees than our competitors. With help from our trustworthy bail bondsmen, you can maintain your freedom until your trial date.
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 serve clients in Fort Worth, Texas, and other municipalities in Tarrant County, and we process our clients’ requests quickly and efficiently. Our bond agents are always on call and we can be down to the jail in under 30 minutes.
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.