Are you in a difficult situation or find wondering how bail bonds work in Florida? Our team at A-O’Malley Bail Bonds will do our best to help guide you understand the basics of the process so that you can take all the right steps towards securing your freedom, or the freedom of a loved one. We’ll talk about the different types of bail bonds that are available in Florida, as well as how they work, and what the bail bond process looks like.
Types of Bail Bonds in Florida
There are three main types of Florida bail bonds available: cash, surety, and property.
Cash Bonds in Florida
Cash bail is when a defendant pays the full amount of their bond to secure their release. This is usually done by either the accused or an individual with enough funds to cover the full bond amount.
Surety Bonds in Florida
Surety bonds are when a third party, usually a bail bond agency or surety agent, pays the full amount of the bond to secure the defendant’s release. The third party is then responsible for ensuring that the accused appears for all court appearances and pays any fines or fees related to the case.
Property Bonds in Florida
Finally, property bonds are when real or personal property is used to secure the defendant’s release. The property must be worth at least twice the bond amount, and it must be free from any existing liens or mortgages. The court may also require additional paperwork such as proof of title and appraisals in order to accept a property bond. It is important to note that if the defendant fails to appear in court, the property used for collateral may be forfeited by the court.
What Is a Bail Bond & How Does it Work?
Being arrested is a tough and stressful experience, not only for the person facing charges but also for their loved ones. That’s where a bail bond comes in. A bail bond is a legal agreement between a defendant, a bail bondsman, and the court that allows the accused to be released from jail before their trial. Essentially, it’s a financial arrangement where the accused or their family member pays the bondsman and the bondsman will then post the full bail amount with the court.
The bail bond serves as a promise made by the bondsman to the court that the defendant will appear in court on the scheduled dates. If the accused fails to appear in court on the scheduled dates, the bondsman becomes responsible for paying the full bail amount to the court. It’s important to understand the details of a bail bond and how it works because it can make a significant difference in the outcome of a criminal case.
How Can a Bondsman Get Someone Out of Jail?
Being arrested and thrown into jail can be a terrifying experience. Luckily, a Florida bail bondsman can help you get out of jail quickly by posting bail on the defendant’s behalf. Essentially a bail bondsman is guaranteeing the court that you will appear for any scheduled court appearance, and in exchange for their services, you pay a non-refundable fee, typically around 10% of the bail amount. This fee may seem steep at first, but it is a very small price to pay when the alternative could be staying in jail for weeks or even months while awaiting further court dates.
Can You Bail Yourself Out of Jail in Florida?
One question that may come to mind if you or a loved one is arrested is, “Can you bail yourself out of jail in Florida?” The answer is yes, you can. In some cases, individuals may be able to use their own money or property to post bail and secure their release. However, bail amounts can be quite expensive, and it may not always be feasible to pay the full amount upfront. If you don’t have the full amount of money or property necessary to pay your bail, you may be able to work with a bail bond company instead to pay a smaller fee and secure your release.
When deciding whether to bail yourself out of jail, it is important to understand the risks involved. If you are unable to pay the full amount of the bond or make all court appearances as scheduled, there can be serious legal consequences that could include an arrest warrant being issued for your failure to appear in court. Additionally, if you are released on bail, you may be subject to regular check-ins with a probation officer or other monitoring during the period prior to your trial.
What Happens if a Defendant Fails to Show Up For Court?
The consequences of failing to appear in court as a defendant can be severe. When a defendant misses their court date, the judge may issue a bench warrant for their arrest. This means that police officers can actively look for the defendant to bring them to court. Additionally, the defendant may face penalties such as fines or even jail time for contempt of court.
It is crucial for defendants to fulfill their obligations and appear in court. Missing a court date can also result in severe consequences, especially so if you are involved in other legal matters such as a divorce, child custody case, and other civil or criminal matters.
Get a Free Consultation Today
Our team at A-O’Malley Bail Bonds offers free consultation services and provide answers to any questions or concerns you may have about posting bail. Our experienced professionals have the knowledge and expertise to help you understand your rights and legal options. We are committed to providing quality services that ensure you or your loved one’s freedom during this difficult time. Contact us today for more information on how we can assist you with posting bail in Brevard County, Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a bond do you pay in Florida?
If you can not afford the entire bail amount, you may be able to post a surety bond, which is typically 10-15% of the total amount. A-O’Malley Bail Bonds is a bail bondsman in Hillsborough County, Florida that can help you with this process.
Do I have to pay the full amount of the bond?
No, you do not have to pay the full amount of the bond if you cannot afford bail. A-O’Malley Bail Bonds provides bail bonds services in Hillsborough County, Florida that can help you post a surety bond for 10-15% of the entire amount of your bail.
Do I need a lawyer if I use a bail bondsman?
No, you do not need an attorney in order to work with a bail bond agent or post bail money. A bail bondsmen is an agent of the court who will take responsibility for your appearance in court, but does not represent you in any other legal matters.
How fast can you get me out of jail?
Once the paperwork is completed and payment arrangements are made, A-O’Malley Bail Bonds can typically have you released from jail within a few hours. The process may take longer depending on the type of bond and other factors such as verifying your identity or conducting an investigation if the defendant poses a flight risk. The exact time frame will vary but you can expect it to take between a couple hours and up to 24 hours.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At A-O’Malley Bail Bonds we accept all major credit cards, cash, and checks. We also offer payment plan options for those who qualify.
What happens if I don’t show up to my court date?
If you fail to appear in court after posting bail, the bond company has the right to revoke your bond and have a warrant issued for your arrest. It is important that you keep all appointments you have in the criminal justice system, and never miss a scheduled court date.
How long can you stay out on bond Florida?
Pretrial release usually lasts until the case is resolved or your trial begins, whichever comes first. Depending on the circumstances of your bond and court procedures, you may have to check in with a pretrial release officer periodically during that time. How long this process takes depends on the jurisdiction and the severity of your crime; it can range anywhere from a few days to several months or years.
What are the rules for out on bond in Florida?
Depending on the circumstances of your bail hearing, there are a wide range of rules that you may be subject to while out on bond in Florida. Generally, all defendants must comply with the conditions set during their bail hearing and stay within the boundaries of the county or state unless granted special permission by the court. Other common restrictions include avoiding contact with victims or witnesses involved in your case, maintaining employment and/or a regular source of income, and refraining from the consumption of alcohol or any other illegal drugs.
Additionally, you may be required to submit to random drug testing and attend court proceedings as scheduled. Violation of any of these conditions could result in revoking your bond and returning you to jail pending trial.
How are court costs or bail determined?
Court costs and bail are determined by the severity of the crime, the prior criminal record of the accused, and the flight risk posed by releasing them before trial. The judge weighing these factors will then set an appropriate bond or court cost amount that must be paid before release from jail. In cases where a bond is posted, it provides a guarantee that the arrested person will show up for required court dates. If the person fails to appear, they may be liable for the full cost of their bond as well as any additional charges that result from failing to show up in court. It is important to understand your bond agreement and its terms so you can comply with them accordingly. Failure to do this could result in serious legal repercussions.
Talk to a Bail Bond Agent at A-O’Malley Today!
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges and need to get out of jail, A-O’Malley can help. We are a premier bail bond agent in the state of Florida and have years of experience working with clients in this situation. Our agents will thoroughly explain the process and provide you with the necessary information so you can make an informed decision about your case. Contact us today for more information!
