Several options exist for bail bonds in the Detroit area, including cash bonds. Here is what you need to know about cash bonds in Michigan, as well as other types of bonds.
How Bail Amounts are Set
According to state law in Michigan, the bail amounts that are set by the judge are 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.
Types of Bonds
There are several types of bonds.
According to the State of Michigan’s One Court of Justice site, posting a bond is a promise that the defendant will appear in court.
Three types of bonds are a cash bond, a 10 percent bond, and a surety bond.
• A cash bond is a money guarantee that the defendant will return to court when required. When a cash bond is set, the defendant must pay the full bail amount to the court before being released from jail.
• In a 10-percent bond, the court will accept payment of 10 percent of the full bail amount as a guarantee that the defendant will appear as required. If the defendant does not appear, the court will require payment of the remaining 90 percent.
• A surety bond is a promise made by an approved bondsman that the defendant will appear as required. A bondsman must prove to the court that he or she has sufficient financial resources to pay the full bail amount if the defendant does not appear as required.
In some cases, the person who was arrested is allowed to leave with only a written guarantee that he or she will return for court proceedings, known as “personal recognizance.”
What you Need to Know about Cash Bonds in Michigan
Each type of bond requires collateral, which usually comes in the form of cash. This cash may be provided by an individual or by a surety company.
With a cash bail bond, the entire bail amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. When the defendant shows up for court, he gets the money back.
With a surety bond, a surety company pays the bail money but charges a fee to the defendant. When the defendant shows up for court, the bail company gets the money back from the courts, and the defendant gets some portion of the fees back.
You also may be given the 10% cash bond option.
If you Need Help
Understanding the bail bond process can be difficult, and you need someone who is experienced in the Detroit area to tell you what you need to know about cash bonds in Michigan.
At Detroit Bail Bonds, we can explain the process to you and help your loved one get out of jail and on with his or her life. You may contact us 24/7 through our website or by phone at 313-244-0669.
