Arresting for a crime can be daunting. Choosing whether to use a bail bond company to help you get out of jail may be just as stressful. However, there are many myths and misunderstandings about bail bonds. These misunderstandings can make an already stressful situation even more difficult. Several misconceptions about bail bonds may be floating around; the goal is to discourage people from utilizing an affordable option that can potentially secure their release from pre-trial detention.
This blog dispels some of the misconceptions about bail bonds.
What are Bail Bonds?
A bail bond is a surety bond offered by a bond company through a bondsman, ensuring a defendant’s release from custody. When a court sets bail, the defendant can pay a small portion of the bail to a bail bondsman, who then provides the court with the full bail amount. There are two main types: criminal jail bonds, which are used for criminal cases to guarantee the defendant’s attendance at trial, and payment of court-determined fines and penalties. Civil bail bonds are also used in civil courts to ensure the payment of debt plus interest and costs assessed against the defendant.
Read on to uncover the key misconceptions about bail bonds.
Bail Serves as a Punishment
Bail is a central component of the American criminal justice system. When someone is arrested, bail is a way of releasing an accused person from pre-trial custody. A judge sets the bail amount to ensure the defendant shows up for the trial and complies with any further requirements. Bail cannot be used as punishment for an arrest; the court can only impose it if necessary to ensure the defendant’s appearance and/or protect public safety.
Furthermore, bail amounts must be reasonable and are not intended to cause excessive financial hardship to the defendant or their family. Also, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. They cannot face punishment unless their involvement in a crime is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Bail Bonds Are Only for Serious Crimes
People are often misled by primetime courtroom dramas and Hollywood movies, believing that bonds are only applicable for high-profile crimes. But that’s simply incorrect! Contrary to popular belief, bail bonds are not limited to high-profile crimes.
A bail bond may be necessary even for minor offenses like drug possession or traffic violations. For a variety of charges, you can post bail. They don’t indicate guilt and won’t make it harder for you to get out of any criminal accusations you may be facing.
 It’s your right to post bail, and bonds are a tool that simplifies using that right. They offer a financial guarantee to ensure you attend your next court date.
You Have to Pay the Full Bail Amount
Many believe they must spend thousands of dollars to secure someone’s release. Not true. When you work with a bail bond agent, you only pay a small portion of the bail amount—typically 10%. This makes the process more accessible for families without immediate access to substantial financial resources. Imagine your bail is set at $5,000. Instead of scrambling for the entire amount, you’d spend just $500 on a qualified bail bond provider.
There’s Nothing Else to Do After You Pay Bail
Simply paying the bail amount or having a bail bond company pay it on your behalf doesn’t guarantee you’re out of trouble. You still appear at your court hearing when you are released on bail. The purpose of having bail is to make sure you appear in court.
There may also be terms and conditions of your release that you must follow, such as staying within your home or even staying within state boundaries. The bail company may set extra conditions to ensure you attend your court hearing.
Bail Bonds Are Too Expensive
One of the most common myths is that bail bonds are extremely costly. While a cost is involved, bail bonds aim to make escaping jail more affordable. Instead of paying the full bail amount, which might be thousands of dollars, you simply need to pay a small percentage to the bail bond company. It is unclear how fees are calculated.
