ANSWERS!

How do I obtain a bail bond?

It's simple and it's quick - it may only take 30 minutes or less.

First call a Rebel Bail Bonds Agent that is close to you. See locations.

Rebel Bail Bonds will need some information from you, such as, what is your relation to the person in jail, how long have you lived in your current place of residence, and how long have you been at your present job? This gives us a good understanding of you - the potential cosigner for the defendant in jail.

Sometimes we may ask for collateral depending upon the bond amount, the security risk of the defendant and the financial strength of the signer. It's really very simple.

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What is the basic structure of a bond?

There are two parts to a bond. The 10% fee, which is the fee charged to the customer and is based on the full bond amount. This can be paid with a credit-debit card, or cash.

Next, the full value of the bond needs to be collateralized. This can be accomplished without using your home as collateral, coming up with large amounts of cash, or pledge other assets. This is a signature bond, which means that no collateral is taken; we've based our decision on the merits of the bond and the financial strength of you, the signer.

To obtain a bond remember to talk straight, be realistic about your ability to pay, and understand the need to get that person to court, because you are accepting the full financial responsibility for them should they forfeit. Again, the total process may take only 30 minutes.

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What Happens To The Person Who Just Got Arrested?

This question is frequently asked by those who, for the first time, are faced with helping a person get out of jail. First, the arrestee is taken to a holding facility and that person is 'booked in'. This booking process involves fingerprinting, the so-called mug-shot, and getting their personal information. The charges are confirmed, the bail amount set, and last, a court date and time is set before release. This process may take a few hours. If there are no "no bail" warrants and this is not a capital crime (murder), the person is eligible for bail.

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What is an O.R. or Release on Own Recognizance?

Own Recognizance is an unsecured, government backed, release of a defendant on the promise the he/she will return to court at the appointed time and place. The legal system will assess each person on the following merits:

• The type of alleged crime.

• The immediate family's support (does family live in the community).

• The defendant's past criminal history.

• The defendant's job history, both current and present, within that community.

Each defendant must provide to the assessment team various people who can speak on their behalf and verify his/or her status in the community. If an O.R. is granted there is no need for a bail bondsman; however, this does not dismiss the defendant from making all court appearances.

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What About a Forfeiture?

This seems to be an area that most people don't fully understand. The action of forfeiture occurs when a person does not make the court appearance: a bench warrant for an arrest will be issued. Although, this incident can compromise the bail agreement, as well as the court's view of the defendant, it can be solved in most cases.

We know things can and sometimes do go wrong; such as, you've not found the right courtroom, or you wasn't able to get off of work, or you sleep-in and missed your court appearance, and last, you were given the wrong date for your court appearance.

These mishaps can be corrected but you must contact the court immediately and rescheduled your court date. Then call your bondsman and give them your new court date information. If you need any help with this contact your bondsman and ask for assistance in doing this. Please remember, if you miss your court date, CALL YOUR BONDSMAN! See locations and phone numbers of a Rebel Bail Bond agent near you.

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What Does Exoneration Mean and When Am I Released?

Exoneration of the bond means the defendant has fulfilled his/her obligation to the court for all court appearances. The exoneration releases the bond company from financial obligation to the court for the bond amount written for the defendant. Once the bond has been exonerated the defendant and the cosigner are also released of any financial obligation to the bond company as long as defendant has fulfilled all terms of the bond agreement.

The court sometimes notifies the bail bond company of the exoneration but not always, many times the bail company has to ask the court for the exoneration, and often the indemnitor is aware of the exoneration before the bail company knows the outcome of the case. Once the exoneration occurs, the financial responsibility of both the bail bond company, the defendant and the cosigner are complete.

Any collateral held, any monies pledged, or any property recorded for the bond will be returned to the customer minus any fees accumulated by the bail company while the defendant was out on bail. This also applies if the monies and real estate were pledged directly to the courts.

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How long is a bond valid?

A bond is valid as long as the case continues and ends when the defendant has been sentenced by the court or the case has been dismissed (charges dropped).

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Is a bail bond company the only option available to get someone out of jail - what other options exist?

No. Here are three different approaches:

1. Pay the court / jail all cash. The court may or may not refund all the money after the case is completed. The court may hold any fees or outstanding fines due the court - you will be advised on these deductions.

2. A US Treasury Bond is also recognized by some courts.

3. Real Property. The court will ask for an appraisal of the property and this may take some time to acquire and submit to the court.

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What's the difference between a public defender and /or an attorney - why use one over the other?

A public defender is appointed to a defendant who does not have the financial ability to retain his own attorney - this is the basic difference.

See our Attorney Partners

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