Bail vs. Bond: What’s the Difference?
In our every day language, we tend to use the words “bail” and “bond” interchangeably. The two terms are very similar and generally, people will understand what you are trying to say if you use either one. However, legally speaking, these two words refer to slightly different things. If you are going through the bail process, it will be beneficial for you to understand the ways in which these terms are similar and different.
The terms “bond” and “bail” refer to the same action – a defendant being released from the custody of the court while he or she awaits trials/court hearings. You can be bailed out of jail or bonded out of jail. In both cases, you will be released. However, these terms are different when considering the way that the defendant pays to be released from jail.
What is Bail?
- If you are bailed out of jail, it means that you paid the bail yourself.
- Bail is paid in cash only.
- It is the payment that you make the the court.
- It is also a secured form of payment.
What is a Bond?
- If you are bonded out of jail, it means that you were unable to pay on your own and had a cosigner or bail bondsman pay to have you released from jail.
- Being bonded out of jail means that you hired someone or had someone else pay to have you released from jail.
- A bond is the bondsman or cosigner’s pledge to pay the bail if you do not appear in court at the appointed time.
- In the event of a bond, a third party will pay the money and also be responsible for making sure that you appear for your court date.
- The deposit made on a bond is not refundable, and bonds are considered unsecured forms of payment.
Common Misconceptions about Bail and a Bond
A common misconception is that a bond itself is a form of money. In actuality, the bond is just a legal document sent to the court by a bail bondsman promising that the defendant will show up to his or her court date. If this does not occur, then the bail bondsman will be responsible for making a payment to the court.
While the terms “bail” and “bond” are very similar, they are technically different, and knowing this difference can help you if you are going through the bail bond process. If you find that you cannot pay for bail yourself, it is in your best interest to hire a bail bondsman to put up a bond so that you can be released from the custody of the court.
Looking for a Professional Bail Bondsman in CT?
If you are looking for a licensed, insured, experienced, passionate bail bondsman in Hartford or a bonding service in New Haven to represent you, contact Connecticut Bail Bonds. All of our bail bondsmen and women are fully licensed and insured. In addition, customer service is a priority for us. You will receive service no matter what time or day you call us. In addition, we offer some of the lowest prices in the business. You won’t deal with any hidden or additional fees when you hire us! Contact us at 860-420-2245
