How Much Do Bail Bonds Cost?
Going to jail isn’t a fun experience, and if you want to be released from jail while in there, you’re going to have to post a bond. A cash bond / bail is what a person must post to the courts in order to leave the jail premises. If you don’t have the funding to do so, a bail bonds service will be necessary.
How much is it?
- A cash bond itself is going to cost the full amount of the bail that is set by the judge. This bond is going to greatly vary depending on many various factors such as if the criminal is a risk, if they will bring harm, etc. There is really no limit on the cash bond itself.
- Most bail bonds company are going to charge a 10% – 20% premium bail bonds fee. For example, if the bail was $25,000, you would have to pay the bail bonds company $2,500 if the premium fee was only 10%.
- According to LawInfo.com, a state court bond will have a premium of 10-15%. A immigration bond will have a premium of 15-20%, and a federal court bond will be anywhere from 10-20%.
- Breaking down a $10,000 bond would look like the following. For a federal court hearing, expect to pay $1,500. An immigration hearing would cost around $2,000, while a state court would be between $1,000 and $1,500 depending on the state.
- Some states such as California have a law where the cost of a bail bond has to be 10% of the bail itself.
What is going to be included?
- After you post bail, the bail bonds company will post your bail. Once the court system receives this money, you will be released from jail. Keep in mind that you will have to show up in court on your court date to ensure that bail bonds company gets their money back.
What are the extra costs?
- Some bail bonds companies will have an office fee that can start at $10+. This is to file the paperwork, etc.
- There could be an additional Sheriff’s fee that can start at $10.
Tips to know:
- If you bail someone out of jail, it could take months to get your money back. The money won’t be returned until the necessary paperwork and the case is finished.
- The bail bond agent usually won’t post the bond. Instead, it will have to be either posted by the defendant or someone that knows them.
- If the defendant decides to skip their court hearing, a bench warrant will be issued. The only way the money will be returned is by bringing the defendant back within 90 days of the forfeiture. This is usually the average for most state laws out there.
- Many bond agents may require a co-signer. In order to pay the bond, most will ask that it’s placed on a credit card. Most will ask for an advanced payment.
How can I save money?
- Try to set the bail yourself if you have the money. Ask friends or family members for a temporary loan. As long as you show up in court, you will get your money back.
How much did you spend?