Bail Blog
04/05/2024
When you find yourself in legal trouble following an arrest in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, it can be quite daunting, particularly when it comes to finding a criminal defense attorney who comprehends the complexities of criminal cases and the bail bond process. In this comprehensive guide provided by Cowboy Bail Bonds, our goal is to simplify and clarify the procedures involved in facing criminal charges and obtaining a bail bond, dispelling any misunderstandings that may arise along the way.
Step 1: The Arrest
When someone is arrested in the DFW area, they are brought to a police station and processed at a nearby jail. This procedure includes capturing fingerprints and photos, as well as noting down personal details. The gravity of the offense influences what happens next in the court proceedings and the bail process for criminal charges.
Step 2: Setting the Bail
Once the processing is complete, the person being arrested will be assigned a certain bail amount, which can be determined either by a standard bail schedule for typical crimes or by a judge during a bail hearing. The initial bail set is essentially a promise of payment ensuring that the accused will attend all scheduled court appearances. Various factors such as the type of crime committed, past criminal record, and possibility of fleeing influence the decision on bail.
Step 3: Contacting a Bail Bondsman
Most individuals cannot afford to post the full amount of bail on their own. This is where a top bail agent or bondsman, or an insurance coverage company like Cowboy Bail Bonds, comes into play. Cowboy Bail Bonds, licensed by the State of Texas, provides a bail bond, which is a type of surety bond. The bail agents or bondsman charges a non-refundable fee, typically 10% of the bail amount, as their service charge.
Misconception Alert:
Myth: You always need collateral to secure a bail bond.
Fact: While some other bail agents and bondsmen require collateral or cash to post bail only, many, including Cowboy Bail Bonds, accept a promise to pay or other arrangements depending on the case and risk involved.
Step 4: Release from Jail
After the bail bond is obtained and handled by Cowboy Bail Bonds, the person being charged is set free from prison, with the agreement that they will attend all appointed court hearings. Missing a court appearance gives the bail bondsman the right to find the person being charged and take them to court, or risk losing the bail bond money if the person being charged doesn’t show up to appear in court again.
Step 5: Court Appearances
The person being accused needs to show up for every scheduled court appearance. If all court obligations are met and all hearings are attended, the bail bond for the accused will be cancelled once the case is finalized. The original bail money will be given back to the bail agent. It’s important to note that the fee paid to Cowboy Bail Bonds, which makes up the defendant’ total bail amount, is non-refundable.
Misconception Alert:
Myth: If found not guilty, you get your bail agents’ bond fee back.
Fact: The bail bond agent’ fee is a service charge for the bail bondsman’s services and is non-refundable, regardless of the trial court hearing’s outcome.
Step 6: Conclusion of Case
Once the legal proceedings are over, individuals under a bail agreement are freed and any collateral they provided is given back to them. The purpose of posting bail is to guarantee that the accused attends all court hearings and can stay out of police custody until the trial is completed.
Common Misconceptions Debunked
You have to pay the bail bondsman 10%: While 10% is standard, fees can vary based on risk, location, and the bondsman’s discretion.
Bail money is a penalty: Bail is not a fine or penalty but a surety to ensure the defendant’s return to court.
Conclusion
The bail bond process in the Dallas-Fort Worth area aims to strike a balance between the requirements of the criminal justice system and the rights of the accused individuals. It is important to have a good understanding of this process in order to navigate it successfully. Cowboy Bail Bonds aims to clarify the DFW area bail bond process by dispelling common misunderstandings about bail bond agents and providing a clear, step-by-step guide. It is essential to keep in mind that each case is unique, and both laws and the bail system are subject to change. It is always advisable to seek advice from a legal professional or a licensed bail bondsman from insurance company besides Cowboy Bail Bonds that is tailored to your specific court case and situation.