FAQs

You can post bail in cash or through the help of a bail bondsman.

If you can afford the bail amount, you’ll make payment using a cashier’s or certified check, traveler’s check, or money order. In some cases, the police or a court clerk might accept payment through a personal check.

Note that the court won’t accept your money if the source of those funds is implicated in a criminal case. For instance, you cannot post bail from an account believed to belong to a criminal organization. 

The most straightforward way you can forfeit a bond is by failing to show up in court on the scheduled date. Remember that release on bail happens before trial. You have to go back to court for trial and the conclusion of your case.

Failing to appear for trial is a criminal offense, punishable by law. You could also lose the bail amount you’ve paid to the court for your release.

If you had sought the help of a bail bondsman to secure your release from jail, the court would issue a notice to your bail agent. At the same time, the court issues a warrant of arrest to the police. The police and the bail bond agent will start looking for you and could arrest you on sight.

If the judge rules that you have lost the bail amount, the bail bondsman will initiate a process to recover the money paid for your release. If you had put up security for your bond, the bail bondsman might sell it to recover its money.

You could also forfeit a bond if you fail to abide by other significant conditions for release. For instance, fleeing the jurisdiction right before your court date could be considered an attempt to avoid trial. 

Bail bond companies are expected to be confidential. It feels great sharing your arrest information with an agent you are sure you can trust. Your bail bond agent will require specific details when securing your release from jail. Knowing you can trust the agent makes it easy for you to provide this information.

The agent will want to know where you or your loved one is kept in custody. You need to know the state, county, city, and name of the jail. It will make it easy for the agent to trace the person whose release from jail they are expected to secure.

The agent will also ask for the full name of the defendant and their jail number. The information will be needed when the agent contacts the jail to inquire about the defendant’s bail.

The agent will need to know the total bail amount. You will be given this information on your first arraignment when the judge determines your eligibility for bail and how much it should be. If your case doesn’t need a bail hearing, the arresting officer can tell you how much bail you need to pay for your release.

Your bail agent will probably want to know whether you will willingly appear in court on the set date and if you are planning to relocate to another county or state.

If the bail amount is high, the agent might want you to secure the bond just to be sure of your willingness to appear and abide by the court conditions until the conclusion of your case.