Undergoing an arrest can be a stressful and traumatizing experience, and all of the steps that come after an arrest can be utterly overwhelming and confusing. Union County bail bonds are a way to ensure that defendants will appear in court for their hearing, and they will be surrendered if the defendant fails to show up.
Learn more about how bail bonds work below.
- Judge Sets Bail
After one’s arrest, they will have to attend a bail hearing, where a judge will determine whether they are eligible for bail and set the amount. Typically nonviolent offenses are the only ones eligible for bail, but each state and judge may differ slightly. If a judge determines that a person is a danger to the community or is unlikely to return for trial, they may decide not to set bail.
- Pay for Bail
Once the judge gives a bail amount, a defendant has the opportunity to post bail with the court clerk. This can be done out-of-pocket, with the help of family or friends, or using a bail bond agency to loan you the money. The court will then give the defendant a receipt to prove that bail was indeed paid.
- Show Up to Court and Get Bail Back
Pay close attention to your court date, and make every effort to show up and be there early or on time. If the defendant fails to do so, they may forfeit their bail payment and have a warrant for their arrest issued. Fortunately, the defendant will have an opportunity to provide an explanation for why they missed their date, but it must be a valid excuse.
Figuring out the whole bail process can feel scary initially, but it’s relatively straightforward when the defendant follows the rules and stays on top of court dates and hearings.
