Understanding How Bail Works - Magzinenow

Understanding How Bail Works


Have you ever wondered how bail works? When someone is arrested, they may be given the option to post bail in order to be released from jail while they await their trial.

A judge will usually set bail based on the crime the person is accused of and their criminal history. A bail bond company can be contacted if the accused does not have enough money to pay bail.

The bail bond company charges a fee to cover the cost of bail posting. After the person is released from jail, they must show up at their court date. The bail bond company can lose any money that they have posted for the individual if they fail to show up.

There are many types of bail bonds available in Salt Lake City. Each type has its own requirements and conditions. Here are seven of the most popular.

  1. Surety Bond

A surety bond refers to a licensed bail agent in Salt Lake City who cosigns the entire bail amount with the court.

This type of bail bond can be used to secure any bail amount, but it’s especially helpful when the accused cannot afford to pay. Furthermore, a surety bond is often used by a relative or friend of the accused to contact a bail agent, also known as a bail bondsman.

A licensed bail agent is supported by a specific type of insurance company known as a surety. The company promises to pay the entire bond value if the accused fails to appear in court. The bail agent will charge his client a 10% premium and ask for a co-signer. Also, collateral is involved—like the title to a house, a car, a boat, jewelry, or an electronic item.

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The bail agent will try to get a friend or relative to be involved for the defendant to feel compelled. This is because the friend or relative has collateral and is likely to pay the bail agent’s premium. However, the Salt Lake City bail agent’s bail bond is also at risk. 

If the defendant fails to appear in court, it will be the bail agent responsible for the full bond payment. The licensed bail agent and the family or close friends of the defendant might request a bail enforcement agent if the defendant fails to appear in court.

  1. Property Bond

Sometimes in Salt Lake City, a defendant can use property to act as a bond. A property bond is a property that is secured by a piece of real property, such as land or a house.

However, one thing to note is that the property’s value must be equal to or greater than the value of the bail. Additionally, if the defendant does not show up for their court date, they may lose their property.

  1. Cash Bond

Cash bail bonds are when cash is used for the entire bail amount. 

They must be paid in full by the court and are not refundable if the defendant does not appear on their Salt Lake City court date. A cash bail bond can be considered a sign that you are trustworthy and could increase your chances of being released under your own name.

  1. Citation Release

A citation release refers to a defendant’s release from custody following a citation issuance. 

A citation can be compared to a traffic ticket. It does not require bail payments. The defendant must sign the citation and agree to appear in court. However, they could be arrested if they fail to appear in court.

  1. Release on Recognizance (ROR)
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RORs allow a defendant to be released without the posting of any bond. 

When making this decision, the judge will consider factors like criminal history, employment status, and connections to the Salt Lake City community. A ROR is a written order that defendants must appear at their court date or risk being arrested.

  1. Federal Bond

Federal defendants must post a bond if they are charged with a federal offense. 

These crimes include mail fraud, drug trafficking, tax evasion, and other serious offenses that cross Utah borders. Federal law sets the conditions for federal bail bonds. They can vary depending on each case.

  1. Immigration Bond

Non-citizens charged with a crime and being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement are required to post an immigration bail bond. 

The ICE detainer guarantees that the defendants will appear at their hearing before an immigration judge. The bail amount can be between $1,500 and $55,000 for low-risk inmates to $15,000 to $50,000 for high-risk inmates.

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Final Thoughts

It’s important to know the types of bail bonds available if you or anyone you know has been arrested in Salt Lake City.

The most popular types of bail bonds are surety bail bonds, property bail bonds, cash bail bonds, and release on recognizance. However, every type of bail bond has its own requirements and conditions. Therefore, make sure you consult a lawyer or licensed bail agent before posting bail.


Dario Smith