Because bail bond companies are only used when needed, the general public has several erroneous images of bail bond companies and what they do. Following is the truth regarding the top five myths about bail bonds.
Myths about Bail Bonds 1: You Can Only Pay Bail Bondsmen in Cash
While cash may still be acceptable, other options are available for you to pay bail bond companies. At Detroit Bail Bonds, payments can be made by credit card quickly over the phone.
Myths about Bail Bonds 2: Bail Amounts can be Negotiated
Bail amounts set by the court cannot be negotiated. A bail bondsman can help get you out of jail, but the bail amounts depend on what you were charged with. The only person who can adjust your bail amount is the judge.
According to state law in Michigan, except in certain situations, a person accused of a crime is entitled to bail. The bail amount should not be excessive. The bail amount is based on:
• The seriousness of the offense.
• The protection of the public.
• The previous criminal record and the dangerousness of the person accused.
• The probability or improbability of the person accused appearing at the trial.
Myths about Bail Bonds 3: Fees Paid to a Bail Bondsman will be Refunded
Bail grants the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security (cash and/or collateral) to guarantee appearance in court. An individual may be free on bail pending the outcome of his or her trial.
There is a one-time fee for service that is non-refundable. The fee is usually about 10 to 20 percent of the bail amount.
If someone who was released on bail misses his or her court date, the court will revoke the bail, issue a warrant for that person’s arrest, and demand full payment of the bail bond. This means that the police now have the right to enter the person’s property, search the person’s car or home, and take all the steps needed to bring him or her back to court.
Myths about Bails Bonds 4: Individuals can Only be Bailed out by Family Members
Anyone age 18 or older can bail someone else out of jail.
If you have posted a bond for someone else and the person fails to appear for court, however, you will lose your bond and it will be forfeited. If the person does appear, the bond can be transferred to pay fines and costs or returned to you.
You as the poster have two options.
• Bring the bond receipt into the court to authorize payment of fines and costs or to have it returned to you.
• Sign and state what you want done with the bond money and have your signature notarized.
Then the defendant can bring in the original bond receipt to have it processed.
Myths about Bail Bonds 5: Bail Bondsmen are Disreputable
While some people might have heard otherwise, the majority of bail bondsmen are hardworking individuals who are trying to help families move on with their lives during a very troubling time. They are also very knowledgeable about laws as they pertain to your case, as well as about local law enforcement agencies and the local court system.
If you have questions or are concerned about any other myths about bail bonds that you might have heard about, please contact us. We’ll clear it up for you.
