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