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Is the Cost of a Bail Bond Negotiable?
Getting arrested is stressful for most people. The first thing on your mind is getting out of jail as fast as possible. You may be wondering if the cost of a bail bond is negotiable. We will give you the answer to this question and more.
How Is Bail Determined?
A bail schedule allows defendants to pay a set amount for specific crimes. Outside of bail schedules or if a defendant wants the amount lowered, a judge will determine the bail payment.
Defendants have the right to ask a judge to lower the bail. The defendant can attempt to prove financial hardship. The judge will determine the amount based on the following factors.
- The severity of the offense
- The flight risk
- The defendant's family ties in the community
- The defendant's employment in the community
- The defendant's likelihood of committing crimes during release
- The defendant's criminal history
Can A Judge Deny Bail?
Many people do not realize a judge can increase or even deny bail bonds. The following are some of the reasons a judge may deny bail.
- The severity of the crime is one of the most common reasons judges deny bail. Judges are more likely to deny bail bonds if the crime is violent, such as murder or rape.
- The judge may deny bail if a defendant has previously missed court dates.
- A judge will use their discretion to determine the defendant's flight risk.
- Judges will deny bond if the defendant poses a risk to the community.
- Repeat offenders are often denied bail bonds.
Options for Paying Bail
You have multiple options available for payment. Once the judge determines the amount, you have the following choices.
- You can pay the full amount in cash. Some courts will also accept personal checks, cashier's checks, or credit card payments.
- You can put up property with the same value.
- You can be released on your own recognizance, meaning you promise the judge you will show up for court.
- You can hire a bail bondsman and receive a surety bond or bail bond.
What to Expect From Hiring a Bail Bondsman
If you cannot pay your bond and do not have a property to use as collateral, you have the option of paying a bail bondsman. A bail bond can allow you to get out of jail quickly, and you only have to pay a percentage of your bail amount.
The state sets the percentage fee collected by a bail bondsman. This fee is for the services rendered and is not refundable, even if the defendant shows up for their trial.
This fee must be paid before the bondsman requests release for the defendant. A bail bondsman may also ask for collateral, depending on the amount of the bond.
Can You Negotiate with Bail Bonds?
Another question people often have is can you negotiate bail bonds? The answer to the question of can you negotiate with bail bonds is, the cost of a bail bond is set by the state and is non-negotiable. Bail bondsmen could lose their license if they do not charge the minimum state percentage. A judge determines the bail amount based on the crime and other legal variables.
However, check with your bail bond agency as many offer a payment plan.
Things You Should Know About Getting a Surety Bond From a Bail Bondsman
- There is no such thing as a 5% bail bond percentage. If bail bond companies are advertising this, you should avoid working with them.
- You may not need collateral for your bail bond. Many bail bondsmen offer flexible signature bond payment plans.
- Before hiring a bail bond agency, make sure they are licensed.
- If you cannot afford to pay your bail or hire a bail bond agent, you will stay in jail until your trial is complete.
- Do not hire a bail bondsman that solicits from jail.
Allow Us to Help You With the Bail Bond Process
An arrest, whether it is your own or a loved one's, is stressful. Getting out of jail as quickly as possible is the goal. One of the easiest ways to get out of jail is to hire a bail bondsman.
We are here to answer your questions about bond payment plan options and help you through the process. Allow us to help you navigate this unfamiliar territory.
