If you need to get someone released from jail in Gatesville, you’ll hear about posting bail and securing a bond. But what exactly is the difference between bail and bond? Understanding the distinction is key.
Defining Bail
– Bail is money or property provided to the court as security to let a defendant out of jail before trial.
– Bail is set by a judge during an initial appearance and may be paid by the defendant directly or through a bail bond agent.
– If defendants miss required court dates, the bail is forfeited to the court.
Defining Bond
– A bond is a written guarantee that a defendant will appear in court when required.
– Bonds are typically secured by a bail bond agent who charges a non-refundable fee.
– If the defendant fails to appear, the bond agent is responsible for paying the full bail amount to the court.
The Connection
– Posting a bail bond means a bondsman is providing a bond promising to cover the defendant’s bail if they skip court.
– The bond allows release without paying the full bail amount upfront. Only the smaller bondsman fee is due.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, bail and bond refer to related but distinct components of the pretrial release process. Understanding the bail bond relationship allows for informed decisions when securing release of a loved one in Gatesville.
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612 E. Leon St.
Gatesville, TX 76528
Phone: 254-865-1377