What is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear on each and every court appearance as the court directs. If the defendant fails to comply with the conditions of the court, then warrants can be issued and the bail bond can be forfeited.
Where can a bail bond be posted?A bail bond can be posted at courts and jails. Most jails accept bail bonds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 of the year.
Where can I get a bail bond?You can get a bail bond by calling us at 813-626-1901. One of our licensed bail agents will confidentially discuss your individual situation and assist with all of your bail bond needs.
What hours do bail agencies operate?Because people are arrested both day and night, most bond agencies are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please feel free to call us anytime at 813-626-1901.
How much does a bail bond cost?In the State of Florida bail bond fees are as followed: Any single bail bond below $1,000.00 has a minimal premium (fee) of $100.00, any single bail bond $1,000.00 and above is 10%, All Federal Bonds are 15%. Always check with the Better Business Bureau in the city where you plan to do business and look for a BBB Accredited Company.
How long will it be before the defendant is released?After all of the paperwork is completed, the bail agent will present the bail bond to the jail or court. The amount of time it takes the jail or court to processes the bail bond varies based on the workloads and size of the court. There also could be additional factors outside the control of the bail bond agency at the jail or court. Once the bail bond is presented to the jail or court, the bail bond agent will contact the indemnitor to advise the timeline for the defendant’s release.
Is the bail bond premium refundable?
Once the bail bond is posted and accepted by a court or jail and the Defendant has been released from custody, liability for the Bail Bond Agent becomes active, at this point the bail bond premium has been fully earned and is not refundable.
Who is liable for the bail bond?The Indemnitor is financially liable for the bail bond. The Indemnitor’s liability is limited to the face value of the bail bond. Note: It is very important the Indemnitor feels confident the defendant will appear on all of his or her court appearances, otherwise posting a bail bond is not recommended.
Posting cash vs. posting a bail bond.If I just cash bond the defendant, the jail says I will get my money back after the case is closed; is that correct?
You should receive the balance after any unpaid fines or court costs, whether from that immediate case or past cases for the defendant, meaning that at times you receive little or nothing back. See below:
Title XLVII
CRIME AND CORRECTIONS
Chapter 903
BAIL
903.286 Return of cash bond; requirement to withhold unpaid fines, fees, and court costs. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 903.31(2), the clerk of the court shall withhold from the return of a cash bond posted on behalf of a criminal defendant by a person other than a bail bond agent licensed pursuant to chapter 648 sufficient funds to pay any unpaid court fees, court costs, and criminal penalties. In the event that sufficient funds are not available to pay all unpaid court fees, court costs, and criminal penalties, the clerk of the court shall immediately obtain payment from the defendant or enroll the defendant in a payment plan pursuant to s. 28.246.