How Bail Bonds Work?

The amount of bail depends on the severity of the crime but is also at the judges discretion. Some jurisdictions have bail schedules which recommend a standard bail amount. In determining bail, a judge may take into account this amount but will also consider the defendants criminal record (if any), his or her history of showing up for past court appearances. Once the defendant is booked into the jurisdiction and bail is set someone may then, use a "Bail Bondsman" or "Bail Agent".

Using a Bail Bondsman is one method used to obtain the release of a defendant awaiting trial upon criminal charges from the custody of law enforcement officials. The Bail Agent executes a document that promises to forfeit the sum determined by the court to be commensurate with the gravity of the alleged offense if the defendant fails to return for the trial date. If Bail is posted by a Bail Agent, there is a non-refundable fee of twelve percent of the amount of bail. There shall also be a fee assessed in connection with the issuance of every criminal bond posted within each parish to the jail (LPSO 30 Bond fee). The Bail Agent and the indemnitor become liable to the court for the full amount of the bond if the defendant fails to appear. The Bail Bond Agent has power of attorney until all oblations are full-field.