When someone is arrested and taken into custody, they may be granted the opportunity to be released on bail before their trial. Bail is a financial arrangement that allows the defendant to be temporarily released from jail in exchange for a sum of money or collateral. In Pittsburgh, like in many other places, bail bonds play a significant role in the legal process. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a clear understanding of bail bonds pittsburgh and how they work.
What Are Bail Bonds?
Bail bonds are a type of surety bond that serves as a guarantee that the defendant will appear in court for their trial. When someone cannot afford to pay the full bail amount set by the court, they can turn to a bail bondsman or a bail bond agency for assistance. The bondsman acts as a surety and agrees to post the bail amount on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a fee, typically a percentage of the total bail.
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
When an individual is arrested in Pittsburgh, a judge sets the bail amount based on various factors, including the severity of the alleged crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and the likelihood of them appearing in court. If the defendant or their family cannot afford to pay the full bail amount, they can seek the services of a bail bondsman.
The bail bondsman typically requires the defendant or their family to pay a non-refundable fee, usually around 10% of the total bail amount. Once the fee is paid, the bondsman will post the full bail amount with the court, securing the defendant’s release from jail. The defendant is then required to appear in court for all scheduled hearings and proceedings.
If the defendant fails to appear in court as required, the bail bondsman may become responsible for the full bail amount. In such cases, the bondsman may employ a bounty hunter to locate and return the defendant to custody to avoid financial losses.
Types of Bail Bonds in Pittsburgh:
- Cash Bail: In cash bail, the defendant or their family pays the full bail amount in cash or cashier’s check directly to the court. If the defendant appears in court as required, the bail amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case.
- Surety Bail Bonds: Surety bail bonds involve a bail bondsman posting the bail amount on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a non-refundable fee. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bondsman becomes liable for the full bail amount.
- Property Bail Bonds: In some cases, a defendant may offer property, such as real estate, as collateral for the bail amount. If the defendant does not appear in court, the court may foreclose on the property to recover the bail.
