Does anyone know anything about bail bonds?

When you are arrested the judge has a few options for release conditions. Bail can be denied, you may be released on your own recognizance, or there may be a bail bond. There is in some states still an option of a third party release. Most defendants are entitled to make bail bonds prior to trial. The bond is to ensure their court appearance. Professional bondsmen charge a fee based on a percentage of the bond set by a judge. Bail bonds, also, have a few options. Sometimes it is a "cash only" bond....only cash will do. Most often it is a "surety bond" which in most states is 10% cash and collateral for the full amount of the bond. This type is done with a bail bond agent. Finally, some states allow property bonds where you can file papers with the court as your bail collateral. This can also be done with a bail bond agent. When "posting your own bond" probably means is paying the cash up front. One warning, however, when you pay cash to the jail you usually don't get it back because ...  more