Bail Bond Terminology
At Connecticut Bail Bonds, we understand that the bail bond process can be difficult and confusing. In order to make the process a little easier on yourself, it is important that you understand the process and the terminology involved with it. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of some of the most important terms for you to familiarize yourself with.
Arrest: A person accused of committing a crime is taken to jail by law enforcement officers
Bail: An amount of money set by a Judge that must be paid or pledged to the court before the defendant can be released from jail. Bail is generally paid in cash, but can also be paid as a surety or property bond. Bail is always paid by the defendant to the court as an incentive for the defendant to return to court at the appropriate time. If the defendant fails to appear in court, he or she forfeits the bail money.
Bail bondsman: Also known as a bail bond agent, a bail bondsman is a third party hired by the defendant to puts up property, money, or a pledge, to ensure that the defendant will return to court at the necessary time. Licensed bail bondsmen generally work with an insurance company in order to provide bonds.
Bond: A legal document between a bail bondsman and the court, promising to pay the court a certain amount of money if the defendant does not attend his or her court hearing. A bond is not money, but a contract promising to provide money if need be.
Bond revocation: If a bail bondsman decides to retract the bond at any time, it is known as bond revocation, and it will require the defendant to return to jail.
Collateral: Many bail bondsmen require the defendant to put up collateral to prove that they will appear in court when asked to. Collateral is property owned by the defendant and can include a house, vehicle, or valuables such as jewelry or electronics.
Defendant: A person being bailed or bonded out of jail. Also, the person accused of committing a crime.
Indemnitor: Also known as a cosigner, an indemnitor is a third party that agrees to post bail for the defendant. This person is generally a friend or family member of the defendant who is in good financial standing. The indemnitor becomes responsible for making sure that the defendant returns to court at the appointed time.
Forfeiture: If the defendant fails to appear in court, it means that he or she forfeits their right to the money or property put up for bail. If the defendant hired a bail bondsman, he or she forfeits any collateral given to the bail bondsman by failing to appear in court.
By understanding these basic terms, you can make the bail bond process much easier for yorself. If you want to hire a bail bondsman, you can contact Connecticut Bail Bonds for the most professional, accessible, and cost-effective representation in Connecticut.
