Paying to bond yourself out of jail can be expensive. Even for relatively minor charges, the bond amount set during your arraignment hearing can be in the thousands of dollars. You typically have to pay at least 10 percent of the bond amount just to be released and allowed to go home.
When you do not have that kind of cash in your bank account, you might need to use professional services designed to help inmates like you secure your release while you wait for your court dates. By applying for a bank loan, using a payday loan, or utilizing the services of a bail bondsman minneapolis mn defendants like you could avoid languishing in jail until your trial or hearing.
Understanding the Terms for Bail
Just like when applying for a bank loan, it is important for you to read the fine print of your bail bonds contract before you sign it. It is a legally binding agreement that indicates on what terms the money for your bail is paid and what you are expected to do in order to repay that amount.
To start, you will be responsible for paying back all of the money that the bail bonds company fronts for you to get out of jail. The amount could be as much as 10 to 20 percent of your bond amount depending on the criminal charge. If you do not have that amount of money in your bank account or in an asset that can be liquidated, you will be expected to make regular payments on that total.
Further, if you are applying for a professional surety bond, you may have to pass a credit check before you can be approved for it. Most bonds companies will not lend money to people with poor credit. You either have to secure the bail with collateral like a car or house or have someone with good credit co-sign the bond for you.
Finally, you will be expected to show up to all of your court appearances. If you miss court dates, you could have your bond revoked and face being arrested.