When someone you know has been arrested, you want to go through the process of getting them out as fast as possible. Here are 10 quick tips about bonds and the bond process to help you get your loved one of out of jail and through the procedures that will follow.
10 Quick Tips about Bonds and the Bond Process
1. A bail bond is a written promise signed by a defendant or a surety (one who promises to act in place of another) to pay an amount fixed by a court should the defendant named in the document fail to appear in court.
2. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime punishable by incarceration of up to one year in a county jail. Generally, a felony is a crime that is punishable by one or more years in prison. Probation may be granted as an alternative to jail time in either case, of course depending on the crime and sentencing guidelines.
3. For some more common crimes and misdemeanors, the bail amounts may be predetermined. Otherwise, the bail amount will be set at a bail hearing or the arraignment.
4. The arraignment must occur within 72 hours after the arrest. A preliminary examination of the evidence against the defendant will then be held about two weeks later.
5. Bail amounts are based on factors including:
∙ The severity and type of crime.
∙ The defendant’s criminal history.
∙ Whether or not the person has a job.
∙ The protection of the public.
∙ The possibility of the defendant not returning to court.
6. In Michigan, there are four types of bonds.
∙ Personal recognizance
∙ Surety bond
∙ Cash bond
∙ 10-percent bond
7. Detroit Bail Bonds can assist you throughout Michigan, including in Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County and St. Clair County. We also can serve you in Ohio and Indiana. We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
8. If you use a bail bond agent, you will be charged a fee that will not be returned to you. The fee is usually about 10 percent of the bail bond amount.
9. If you have second thoughts about bailing someone out of jail, you have the option of surrendering the bond. However, if you do that, the person will have to go back to jail, so you would want to think long and hard about the possible consequences.
10. Bail amounts set by the court cannot be negotiated. The only person who can adjust your bail amount is the judge.
How to Reach Us
If you need to know additional facts beyond these 10 quick tips about bonds and the bond process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can be reached through our Detroit Bail Bonds website or by phone at 313-244-0669.
Tags: Bail Bond Process