The 7 Types of Bail Bonds – An Explanation

Posted by Bad Boys Bail Bonds

There are seven different types of bail bonds available in California. Each bail bond type has its rules, regulations, and purpose. The seven different types are:

Type 1: Cash Bail Bonds

Cash bail bonds are first on the list because they are, by far, the most common and easiest to understand. The name tells you what you need to know about these bonds: a bail paid in cash by the defendant.

While defendants may pay any bail in cash, there are certain situations where cash is the only accepted payment method. For example, cash-only bail bonds are most common when the defendant has a higher-than-average flight risk, such as violent crimes. In these situations, the judge sets bail so high that your average defendant cannot afford it.

Type 2: Surety Bonds

Surety bail bonds are what bail bonds companies provide to defendants. Whenever the defendant doesn’t have the money required to pay bail on their own accord, they can rely on a bond company to put up the cash for their bail. But how do surety bonds work?

A bail bonds agency pays the total cost of bail to the court upfront in a surety bond. The bond company makes this payment under the agreement that the defendant will appear at all appointed court dates. Continued attendance will allow the company to receive the bail money back at the end of a trial. The defendant is legally bound to pay the bonds agency back for their loss of the bail money if they fail to maintain their end of the agreement.

Most bail companies, like ABC Bail Bonds, charge a 10% rate for their services. That means that the defendant will have to pay the bond company 10% of the total cost of their bail. As part of their investment, the bond company will ensure that the defendant attends all appointed court dates and doesn’t skip bail.

The Surety Bond Process

To get a surety bond, contact us here at Bad Boys Bail Bonds, and we’ll get you started. Generally, the process is as follows:

  • You’re arrested and locked up
  • A judge sets the bail amount
  • You call Bad Boys Bail Bonds
  • Bad Boys Bail Bonds inform you of your financial obligations
  • Bad Boys Bail Bonds pay your bail after you provide them with their 10% fee
  • You are then free to go under the promised assumption that you will show up to all of your appointed court dates

Please note that we at Bad Boys Bail Bonds are usually willing to work with you regarding payment type, collateral, and other variables. You can also have a loved one set up your surety bond through Bad Boys Bail Bonds if you so desire.

Type 3: Property Bond

Property bonds are just what they sound like bail bonds paid for by property collateral.

You must use the entire property to set up a property bond (you can’t use partial properties in a property bail bond). Generally, real estate is the most common type of property used in this type of bail bond. However, property bonds are not legal or accepted in every state in the United States.

The most significant difference between a regular surety bail bond and a property bond is the time it takes to settle everything. You can resolve surety bonds in hours; property bonds can take weeks. Several reasons exist, but inspections and paperwork are the most common hold-ups for property bonds.

Type 4: Citation Release Bail

Citation-release bail bonds are probably the best of the bunch. When you are eligible for citation release, then you were never really taken into custody in the first place.

Police officers often issue citations instead of arresting individuals and bringing them to the station. Citation bonds are common for traffic offenses.

You can’t apply or ask for a citation bail bond. The only person who can make this decision is the arresting officer at the time of the arrest. If taken into custody, you would need a different type of bail bond to be released.

Type 5: Recognizance Release

The recognizance release bond is the second most accessible type of bail. You don’t need to pay anything for a recognizance release; you must promise the court that you will appear at all appointed dates and times. All a defendant needs to do is sign the paperwork stating that they agree to this arrangement.

Just like citation releases, the arresting officer handles recognizance releases. You may need to fight for this type of release with a lawyer in court. What is the primary benefit of fighting for recognizance release? The most significant advantage is not having to pay to go home. However, lawyer bills may exceed the cost of your bail altogether. If there is a risk of that happening, you should consider a surety bond through us here at Bad Boys Bail Bonds.

Type 6: Immigration Bail Bonds

This type of bail bond is only for non-residents of the United States of America. Because of the defendant’s lack of citizenship, it is very complicated to obtain immigration bail bonds.

Immigration bail bonds have a stringent set of requirements behind them. These types of bonds are far too complicated for anyone to handle. Instead, enlist the help of a bail bonds company with immigration experience to help guide you through the process.

Type 7: Federal Bail Bonds

This type of bond is pretty self-explanatory. Federal bail bonds are bail bonds issued for federal crimes. If you committed a felony, then a felony bail bond may be your only way out of jail to prepare for your trial in the comfort of your own home. If you have been arrested for a federal crime and need a bail bond, please immediately contact Bad Boys Bail Bonds.

Still Confused? Call Bad Boys Bail Bonds

The bail bonds world can be complicated and filled with legalese. The average American will usually find the process challenging to navigate. Bail bond companies exist to demystify the process and help regular citizens take advantage of their given rights. Contact Bad Boys Bail Bonds at (800) 224-5688 for help with any bail bond questions or needs.

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You can trust fellow PBUS members, the Bail Bonds Doctor, to help you with your bail bond needs outside the state. They specialize in Minneapolis bail bonds and provide the same level of professional service as other members of the PBUS.

For information on the subtleties of bounty hunting in Pennsylvania, you can count on fellow PBUS member ABC Bail Bonds. They are experts in Philadelphia bail bonds and can help answer all of your bounties hunting-related questions in the state.