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· What is a bail bond?
A bail bond is a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear in 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 most 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 Marion County Bail Bonds at Marion County Bail Bonds
2677 NW 10 st Suite 1 A, Ocala, Florida 34475
352-620-0045 . One of our licensed bail agents will confidentially discuss your individual situation and assist with all of your bail bond needs |
· What hours do you operate?
Because people are arrested both day and night, our agency is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. |
· How much does a bail bond cost?
When you use a licensed bail bond company like us , once bail is set you only pay a portion of the set bail amount. The amount will depend on the factors of your case. Please call for your specific case. These fees are established by the surety companies and regulated by the Department of Insurance. |
· What will I need in order to secure a bail bond?
In addition to the required bail bond premium, you will need to bring proper identification, address and telephone number. |
· Is the bail bond premium refundable?
Once the bail bond is posted and accepted by a court or jail, liability is taken on the bail bond. At that point the bail bond premium is fully earned and is not refundable. |
· How long is a bail bond good for?
The Bail Bond is valid as long as the court case is in pending status. The bail bond will remain valid if all conditions have been met. |
· Who is liable for the bail bond?
The indemnitor is financially liable for the bail bond. The indemnitor's liability is limited to the full face value of the bail bond and any expenses that is accrued if forfeiture occurs. Note: It is very important the indemnitor feels confident the defendant will appear in all of his/her court appearances or posting a bail bond is not recommended. It is recommended that the co-signer maintain a very close relationship with the defendant and keeping an open line of communication. |
· How do I determine equity for a home?
Recent sale amounts for homes similar to yours. For example, if you currently owe $375,000.00 on your home and the homes in your area are being sold for $475,000.00, then you have $100,000.00 equity. However, it really depends on the condition of your home and the current market. If you have questions don't be afraid to call us! |
· What if the person I bail out does not appear?
The court will issue a warrant for the arrest of the defendant. In addition, a notice will be sent to us regarding the failure to appear. However, we will be happy to assist you in either reinstating the bail with the court or surrendering the defendant back to custody. |
· What if the person I bail out gets re-arrested in a different county or state?
Call us immediately so we can make sure you are protected. Communication is very important. |
· What if the person I bail out refuses to go to court? What will it cost?
Call us immediately and we'll make arrangements for him or her to be safely returned to jail. The cost of returning a defendant to jail depends where the defendant is located. For example, if the defendant is cooperative then the cost is as low as $350 to $500. However, if the defendant refuses to cooperate then it will cost an additional 10% of the Bond ($5,000 for a $50,000 bond) or 20% of the bond amount if out of state ($10,000 for a $50,000 bond) plus costs incurred by our fugitive recovery agents. |
· Are there any additional legal fees?
In the event of a forfieture (when the defendant failed or refused to appear in court as required) there will be court costs. The worst being a Summary Judgement where the defendant cannot be located and you have to pay the entire bond amount. If the defendant failed to appear due to a valid excuse, then the bond can be reinstated. Court fees vary from $75 and up. If a motion has to be filed to vacate the forfieture then you will be liable to pay for all legal fees. |
· Once the bond has been posted at the jail, how long until the defendant will be released?
Release times vary from City Police Departments, Jail facilities, and County Detention Centers. For example, a small police department may release a defendant anywhere from 1 to 3 hrs. A County Detention Center may take up to 6 to 8 hrs. |
· Should I get an attorney to request a bail reduction?
If a case has been filed at the court by the District Attorney's office and the bail amount is high, then you may want to seek the advice of an attorney regarding possible bail reduction. However, a bail reduction hearing cannot occur until there is an official case filed by the District Attorney. When a defendant is booked into Jail and held on new charges, the district attorney has 48 court hours to file an official complaint or else the defendant must be released. This does not mean a case will not be filed at a later time. For example, if a defendant is arrested on a Wednesday, then the District Attorney has until Friday to file a case and officially charge the defendant in a court of law. If a defendant is arrested on a Thursday then he/she could be held until Monday or Tuesday. Please remember this does not mean a case will not be filed upon release by bail bond or according to the 48 hour rule. Once a case has been filed by the D.A., the bail could remain, be lowered, or be increased. Once the defendant goes to court he/she could be released without posting a bond. Bail Reduction is not so simple as some attorneys claim. The Jailor cannot reduce the bail without a court order signed by a judge. The bottom line is if a defendant is arrested on a Wednesday and does not have a court case number by Thursday, then Bail Reduction by Friday is very unlikely because the defendant will either be released under the 48 hour rule or the DA will file a case on Friday and the Defendant will have to wait for a the arraignment the following week for possible bail reduction or have someone post bail for him/her to be released from custody. If the District Attorney files a case on Thursday, then an Attorney can request a Bail Reduction at the arraignment, which would be the following day (Friday). Bail Reduction is possible by Friday if a case has been filed by Thursday. There are no guarantees the court will grant reductions, but if the defendant has no priors then the court may grant a request. Remember justice is blind! |
· What if a person has a Warrant?
In most case we can clear warrants with the court and set a new court date. However, each case is different. Call and ask for assistance. |
· Can I revoke the bond if I change my mind prior to the resolution of the case?
Deciding to post bail for a friend or a family member should be done only after great consideration. You must be certain that the defendant will appear in court and be prepared to pay the bond if he/she does not.
The decision to revoke bond should be done ONLY if you are concerned about whether or not the defendant will appear in court.
Bail Agents should not be used to threaten the defendant with being surrendered because of a personal conflict with the signer on the bond.
However, if you truly believe the defendant is a flight risk and your collateral is at risk you can request that the bond to be revoked. Your responsibility as the indemnitor in this matter is not over until the defendant has been apprehended and in custody.
ALL FEES RELATED TO SURRENDERING THE DEFENDANT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PERSON WHO POSTED BAIL.
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· Do you offer payment plans?
Payment plans are available. We generally require 50% of the fee as a down payment with weekly payments until paid off. Should the case close before the fee has been paid, the balance is still owed and must be paid before your collateral will be returned. |
· If the person I bail out jumps what are my options?
We have 30 days to locate the defendant and re-arrest him/her before the bond must be paid to the court. Your assistance in locating the defendant is key to our success.
If we are unable to do so, it is the signers’ responsibility to pay the full amount of the bond before the collateral can be returned.
If you fail to pay the full amount of the bond the collateral will be converted (sold) in order to pay the court.
If a Mortgage Agreement was used to secure the bond, a lien will be filed against the property and accrue interest until the bond is paid.
ALL OF THE COST INVOLVED IN RECOVERING THE DEFENDANT WILL BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
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· How long after the arrest can bail be posted?
It normally takes 6 to 8 hours to be booked after a person is arrested. Bond cannot be posted until booking is complete and the charges have been determined. Once the charges and the amount of bond have been set you will able to calculate the fee. |
· How are fees for bonds determined?
The fees or premium for a bond is 10% of the bond with a $100 minimum per bond.
For Example:
Count 1: $1500.00 = Fee of $150.00
However, if there are 3 bonds for $500.00 each the fee would NOT be $150.00, it would be $300.00. It is $100.00 for each individual bond.
Count 1: $500.00 = Fee of $100.00
Count 2: $500.00 = Fee of $100.00
Count 3: $500.00 = Fee of $100.00
All bail bond fees are regulated by the Florida Department of Financial Services. We caution you from doing business with any agency that is acting illegally by charging any more or any less than the law states.
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