What is a Bail Bond?

 

 

 

 

What is a Bail Bond?

Most people are familiar with Lansing bail bonds. Someone arrested on a criminal charge may be held until trial, unless they furnish the required bail. The posting of a bail bond acquired by or on behalf of the incarcerated person is one means of meeting the required bail. When a bond is issued, the bonding company guarantees that the defendant will appear in court at a given time and place. The Government entity (state or federal) in whose court the defendant must appear, is protected by the bond. If the defendant fails to appear, the bond amount becomes payable and is forfeited as a penalty by the surety insurer issuing the bond. Bail bonds usually require collateral (cash, a deed, or other property) to protect the surety.

Lansing Bail bonds are issued by licensed “Bail Agents” who specialize in their underwriting and issuance. Bail agents also are known as bail bondsman act as the appointed representatives of licensed surety insurance company.

What is the purpose of bail?

The purpose of bail is to assure the attendance of the defendant when his or her appearance is required in court, whether before or after conviction.

How much does a bail Bondsman charge?

The cost to the consumer will be in Lansing Michigan 10% of the total amount of the bond, plus actual, necessary and Ingham County Bail Bondsman  reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the transaction. The court determines the amount of the bond.

Any restrictions on how high my bail can be?

Each surety company must file rates with the Michigan Department of Insurance. Bail agents in Michigan must charge the same amount! In Michigan, the rate is 10%.

What can I do if my bail is too high?

The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that bail not be excessive. This means that bail should not be used to raise money for the government or to punish a person for being suspected of committing a crime. The purpose of bail is to give an arrested person her freedom until he or she is convicted of a crime, and the amount of bail must be no more than is reasonably necessary to keep him or her from fleeing before a case is over.

What can I do if I can’t afford the bail amount?

If you can’t afford the amount of bail on the bail schedule, you can ask a judge to lower it. Depending on the court, your request must be made either in a special bail-setting hearing or when you appear in court for the first time, usually called your arraignment. Ingham County Bail Bondsman