Bail Bond Terms You Need to Know

When you find yourself needing to post bail for a friend or relative that has been arrested it is important that you fully understand what you're doing. There may be several terms thrown around when speaking with a bail agent that can be confusing. Be sure to always ask questions when posting bail, but the following are a few of the most common words that a person may be introduced to when speaking with a bail agent for the first time.

Bail Bond

A bail bond provides money to the court in order to have someone released from jail as they await trial or other scheduled legal hearings to decide their fate. Bonds are generally filed by a professional bail bond agent.

Defendant

The defendant is the person who has been arrested on suspicion of committing a crime. This person must appear in court to face their charges, which may mean going to trial. If bail is not posted the defendant must stay in jail through this process. When bail is paid they are let free and can continue to live their life while awaiting their day in court.

Co-Signer/Indemnitor

The co-signer or indemnitor of a bail bond is the person who pays for the bail bond. This is usually a close friend or loved one to the defendant.

Premium

The premium is the cost of a bail bond. The bond premium should always be 10 percent, unless a discount is issued, which are only allowed under certain circumstances.

Forfeiture

A forfeiture occurs when the defendant does not show up in court for a scheduled appearance. When this happens a warrant will be issued for the defendant's arrest and the co-signer can be held financially responsible for any resources used to capture them.

Do not be afraid to ask questions if you need to post bail. The Panama City bail bond agents at Steele Boys' Bail Bonds would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Our team has years of experience posting bail. Give us a call at (850) 403-0214 to request more information or to post bail in Florida. We are available 24 hours a day to assist you.

Steele Boys' Bail Bonds Blog

Written and Published By MORBiZ