How do bail bonds work?
In Virginia, a secured bond can be satisfied by paying the full amount in cash, posting approved property as collateral, or working with a bail bondsman who posts the bond for a fee. Click here or call 804-833-2785 for more information.
Do I need a bail bondsman to bond someone out?
No, you can bail someone out through the magistrate with approved collateral. Click here or call 804-833-2785 for more information.
Got Arrested?
When someone is arrested, the person is taken to a local jail for booking where a magistrate will establish the pretrial conditions for the defendant.
The defendant may be released with an unsecured bond, otherwise known as a PR (Personal Recognizance) bond. For this, the defendant is given a court date and allowed to leave the jail with the understanding he or she will show up for the proceeding.
Otherwise, defendant is issued a secured bond, as specified in Virginia Code § 19.2-123. For this, the court requires a financial guarantee the defendant will show up to all future court dates. There are three ways to satisfy a secured bond.
- Cash Bail: For cash bail, someone must post the total amount of the bond to the court. Once the defendant fulfills all court appearances, the cash is returned from the court. However, the cash bond forfeited to the court if the defendant fails to appear.
- Approved Collateral: A car title or real estate can satisfy the bond as long as they are registered and located in Virginia. These are fulfilled through the local magistrate.
- Surety Bond: A surety bond, otherwise known as a bail bond, is a contract between the court and the bail bondsman. A licensed bail bondsman has established collateral with court, thereby financially guaranteeing the bond. The cost of the bond is 10% of the total bond.
Process of Getting a Bail Bond
A bail bondsman is typically called by a friend of family member of the defendant. This initial consultation involves gathering basic information of the defendant and cosigner(s), cost, and risk the bond.
When both parties are satisfied with the conditions of the bond, they’ll typically meet at the jail where the defendant is held. Once there, the contract is to be understood and signed cosigner(s). The bail forms vary between each bail bonding company; however, there will usually be an Indemnitor Agreement. An Indemnitor Agreement is a legal agreement stating that, should the defendant fail to appear in court, the cosigner(s) will be held responsible for the full amount of the bond plus expenses. Once the bonds is posted, the defendant is released from jail.
If you would like to talk confidentially about this, please call: 804-833-2785 at any time of night or day.