What Are the Types of Bail Bonds?

The three main types of bail bonds are Cash bonds, Surety bonds, and Personal recognizance bonds. Learn the differences and why each type is best for your specific situation. You may also be interested in learning about Federal bail bonds. Understanding each type of bail bond has many benefits, and understanding them will help you choose the right one for your needs. If you’re facing jail time or a criminal case, it’s essential to understand the differences. You can also find out more at bail bonds Harrisburg PA.

Unsecured bail bonds

When you are arrested for a crime, a judge or magistrate will set a bond amount for you. The bond amount can vary widely depending on your accused crime. Unsecured bail bonds require only your signature and an agreement to appear in court. If you do not show up for court, you will need to pay the total amount of the bond. The missing court can result in an arrest order, which may be difficult to pay if you don’t have the money or valuables you need to do so.

When it comes to a secured bail bond, the person arrested has to offer collateral to reduce the risk to the court. Unsecured bail bonds, on the other hand, are not backed by any collateral. The only guarantee for the bond is the defendant’s word and promise to show up for court. As such, the person applying for an unsecured bond must be credible through good credit, a stable job, or a minor crime.

Surety bail bonds

Surety bail bonds are one of the many types of legal interventions. Providing a surety bond is a unique way to bail someone out of jail and guarantee compliance with future proceedings. This bail bond has special conditions and timelines, which require proper communication and research. If you are a co-signer, discuss your bond terms with the person you’re planning on co-signing with.

Bail Bonds

Upon posting the bond, the surety will take the responsibility of collecting the money from the principal in exchange for the release of the principal. In many instances, the surety agent will manage the money for the bail premium. Some surety agents work with private investigators or off-duty peace officers specializing in bail bonds. They will explain to the defendant the process and the documents required to post the bond.

Personal recognizance bond

When a defendant is arrested on suspicion of a minor crime, a personal recognizance bond can be used to secure their release. A judge grants such a bond with confidence that the defendant will appear in court on the dates required. To be eligible for this type of bond, the defendant must be of low risk, have ties to the community, and have no criminal history.

Personal recognizance bonds are typically used when accused of a misdemeanor less severe than a violent crime. These bonds require the accused to appear in court on scheduled dates and do not require a cash deposit. If the accused does not comply with the conditions of the bond, you will return them to custody until their trial is held.

Federal bail bonds

Federal bail bonds must be backed by collateral that is not illegally acquired. In other words, the defendant must prove that the money used to pay the bond is not from drug sales or theft. Examples of proof are pay stubs, bank account statements, and tax returns. Often, a federal judge will require a defendant to show proof of legality before posting a bond. This procedure is known as a Nebbia hearing.

Once arrested, a person must undergo a hearing before a federal judge to verify whether the bail amount is legitimate. Typically, the bail amount will be up to fifteen percent of the defendant’s net worth, but collateral damage can be as significant as 150%. Moreover, a defendant arrested will have to follow several conditions. Depending on the crime, these might include no travel, drug testing, or even a complete house arrest.