Q. What is the purpose of a bail bond?

A. To allow a defendant to be at liberty to develop an adequate defense. Implicit is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Q. What is the function of a bail bond?

A. To assure the appearance of the defendant at all court hearings until a plea of guilty, no contest, found guilty, charges dismissed or courts grants deferred judgment and deferred sentence.

Q. Should price be my biggest concern?

A. No. You get what you pay for. If a bail agent doesn't charge enough or do the bond properly then the agent will look for every reason to get off the bond. Remember an agent can put a defendant back into custody at any time and not be required to refund the fee. The integrity of the agent is very important.

Q. If I cosign on a bond how can I get released from liability?

A. There are 2 ways to get released from liability:

1. The defendant pleads guilty;

2. Request the bail agent to revoke the bond.

Q. If I request the bail agent to revoke the bond will it cost me?

A. It can.

Q. How does a bond work?

A. The easiest way to explain how a bail bond works is that the bail bond agent writes a check to the court.

The court will accept the check because of the bail agent license.

If the defendant makes all the court appearances the court gives the check back.

If the defendant fails to appear the court wants to cash the check - the cosigner must make the check good.

Q. Do I have to put up collateral?

A. It depends on the size of the bond and the qualifications of the cosigner.