Options include:
- To stay in jail, awaiting disposition of the case;
- To stay in jail and wait for a bond reduction hearing, if the bond is larger than one can or will pay. This hearing is usually set by an attorney;
- To put up the full amount of the bond in cash (all or most will be returned when the case is over);
- To call a bondsman (also called a “surety agent”), who will charge 10% of the face amount of the bond. This is a nonrefundable fee, and it is rarely returned. (Note: The 10% is mandated by Florida state law; a bondsman may charge no less or no more. Note that some bondsmen will occasionally allow one to make payments toward that 10% of the court-defined bond.)
What exactly does a bail bondsman do?
When a bondsman writes a bond, he is promising the courts that he ensures the defendant’s presence at every required court appearance. If the defendant misses an appearance, the bondsman will attempt to locate the defendant and return him or her to jail. If the bond agent is unable to locate the missing defendant after 60 days, he will have to give the clerk the full amount of the bond.
What are the bail bond laws a person should know?
A person cannot be returned to jail for not paying the bondsman all the money due on the bond. The bondsman can, however, sue a person in civil court for the amount owed, plus costs. People can have bonds revoked if they are arrested again after posting a bond if they are untruthful on their bond application, change their address(es) without letting the bondsman know in advance, give the bondsman reason to believe they will not go to court or depart the jurisdiction of the court without written permission of the court and the bondsman.
Can you post bail on the weekend?
A bail bond can be posted in Riverside counties seven days a week, 24 hours a day.