Understanding the bail process isn’t always easy. In fact, it can be downright confusing. Added to the stress of being arrested, bail terms can be difficult to understand. If you are trying to navigate the world of bail or you are doing so on behalf of a family member or friend, understanding key bail terms can help.
Here at Affordable Bail Bonding, it is our goal to make posting bail simple. We will wade through the complexity of the justice system for you, leaving you free to focus on more important things — such as preparing for trial! As your local bail bond company in Halifax, we have built a quality reputation in the local community for our outstanding services. Reach out night or day for fast and affordable bail.
If you are trying to navigate the bail system and you want to understand a little more about the terminology used, check out these common bail terms and bring any further questions to our team.
Common Bail Terms
Bail
Starting with the basics, bail is the term used to refer to the amount of money that must be paid in order for a defendant to be released from jail. The cost of bail varies depending upon a variety of factors, such as the severity of the crime, the history of the defendant, and the flight risk of the arrested.
The Defendant
The person who was accused of the crime and thereby arrested is referred to as the defendant. Due to the way the law works in the United States, the defendant is innocent until proven guilty. In many cases, a bail amount will be set, which can be paid in order to release the defendant until their court date.
Surety Bonds Or Bail Bonds
Most frequently referred to as bail bonds, but also known as surety bonds, this bond is a method for posting bail. A surety or bail bond consists of three parties — the defendant, the bondsman, and the court. The defendant pays the bondsman a set premium. The bondsman then pays the total bail amount to the court on behalf of the bondsman.
The Surety
In a bail bond or surety bond, the party referred to as the surety is the bondsman. This is because the bondsman assures the court that the defendant will return for their trial.
The Indemnitor Or Co-Signer
In some cases, a co-signer, also referred to as the indemnitor is required for securing a bail bond. This person could be a parent, loved one, family member, or friend. They enter into the bail bond contract on behalf of the defendant. This person bears the responsibility of ensuring the defendant does indeed show up to court. If the defendant flees, the co-signer is then responsible for the total bail amount.
Collateral
In some cases, in order to secure a bail bond, collateral will be utilized. This includes any property or possession that is signed over to the bail bondsman as a guarantee that the defendant will show up to court. If the defendant flees, the collateral is kept by the bail bond company per the contractual agreement.
Help Navigating The System
The above are just a handful of common terms you might hear throughout the bail process. The reality is that when you are navigating the justice system, you are likely going to encounter an array of terms you have never heard before. This can leave you feeling confused and stressed.
The good news is that our team is here to help. We have spent years in the bail bond industry, which means we are familiar with any term thrown our way. We will help you find the answers you need, and we will work with you to make posting bail extremely simple.
Our team is always on call, which means there is no wrong time of day or night to give us a call. Whether you have a question because you are confused about a specific term you have encountered or you simply need help affording bail, we are here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Halifax bail bond company today. We look forward to assisting you.