There’s a widespread misconception that defendants must post the full bail amount in order to enjoy pre-trial freedom. Any experienced Bail Bondsmen in Beaumont, TX. can confirm that this isn’t true. Yes, some courts only accept full bail in cash, but Texas courts accept bail in the form of bail bonds from trusted, professional, local bond agents.
How to Post a Fraction of Bail
Bail amounts imposed by the court reflect the defendant’s criminal history, specific charges, and flight risk. Bail can be thousands or just hundreds of dollars. Without resources, defendants feel challenged to cover any bail amount large or small.
A bail bond is not even an actual payment; it’s a signed promise from the bond agent to the court. It holds the agent responsible for the full amount of bail if the defendant vanishes before trial proceedings.
The cost of the bond is the premium, a nonrefundable fee for the bond agent that’s equal to about 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount. If bail is $1,000, the bail bond costs about $100 to $150 dollars (minus court filing fees).
How Bond Agents Help Defendants Pay Partial Bail
Bond agents don’t care who’s paying. Third parties like family members, friends, and coworkers can cover the bail bond premium. Flexible agents accept cash, occasionally credit cards, or personal checks.
The person paying for the bail bond may also be eligible for financing, an arrangement that entails repayment in installments over a long period, easing the financial burden. Payment in cash often results in immediate discounts.
