Understanding the Basics: What Is a Bail Bond Contract?

"Let's dive into the fundamentals: Exploring the Concept of Bail Bond Contracts."

Bail Bonds

In this article, Smith American Bail Bail Bonds give you insight into a bail bond contract.

Bail Bond?

 A bail bond is an amount set by a judge. The bond amount must be paid through a bail bondsman for the defendant to be released. The bond also ensures that the defendant will appear at all court pre-trial or trial dates.

What is the legal term for someone who signs a surety bond?

The legal term for anyone who signs a bail bond, also known as a surety bond, is the Indemnitor.

 What is a bail bond contract?

A bail bond contract is an agreement between a bail bondsman and an indemnitor. By signing and paying the bond amount set by the court, the indemnitor ensures that the defendant will comply with all bail conditions and attend court dates. Bail bonding contracts may include conditions such as weekly or monthly phone check-ins, in-person check-ins, residential verification visits, GPS monitoring, and drug testing.

If the defendant fails to appear in court or comply with conditions, the bail bondsman can revoke the bond, making the indemnitor responsible for the full amount. In some states, if the defendant is quickly apprehended, the indemnitor may be released from the bond. A judge must authorize any release. If the contract is violated, the bail bonds company may sue for the bond balance and recovery fees. Bail bonding fees vary by state, so it's crucial to verify them in your state.

Why do Bail bondsmen require a cosigner on a bail bond

Every bail bonds agency is different when it comes to a co-signer. When a bail bondsman requires a co-signer, some factors that play a role are lack of job history, residential history, criminal history, and the defendant's previous multiple failures to appear warrants.

Can you go to jail if you signed on bond and the defendant skips bail?

The answer is no. However, suppose there is evidence that you are harboring a fugitive, and the bail bondsman turns it over to the courts. In that case, it will be up to the judge and the prosecutor to charge the indemnitor for harboring a fugitive.

 What are the qualifications to sign a bail bond contract?

Every state has different qualifications for posting bonds for someone. For example, Smith American Bail Bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana, requires that you be 18 years or older, have a valid United States I.D., be employed for at least three months, and pay an 8% or 10% premium on the total bond amount. Must complete the indemnitor contract and all contract documents that are required.

Why you should choose Smith American Bail Bonds for your bail bond contract

You should choose Smith American Bail Bonds for your bail bonds contract because they are known to be fast, affordable, and very informative when it comes to the bail bond contract. Smith American Bail Bonds don't have small print hidden clauses in their bail bonding contracts to deter you in the wrong direction if the defendant fails to appear. Smith American Bail Bonds wants you to fully understand what you are getting into before you take on any liabilities. Smith American Bail Bonds holds their bail bonding contract to a high standard to protect the bail bond agency, society, and the indemnitor so that they don't become victims of their bail bond contract and face civil lawsuits because of a forfeited bond.