HELP CENTER

The Answers You Need

HOW DID THE BAIL BOND SYSTEM GET STARTED

The bail bond system arises out of common law. The posting money or property in exchange for temporary release pending a trial dates back to 13th century England. The modern commercial practice of bail bonds has continued to evolve in the United States while it has since ceased to exist in most modern nation-states.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I CONTACT A BAIL AGENT?

There is certain information that a bail agent will need in order to help you:

• Where is the person in custody? (Make sure that you ask the person in custody where they are located including the city, state, and the name of jail).

• What is the full name of the person in jail? The bail agent will need this information in order to contact the jail. 

• How much is the bail? The bail agent will get this information when they contact the jail if you do not have it. With the bail amount, the bail bondsman can tell you the amount it will cost to post a bond and requirements to get the person out of jail.

CAN THE DEFENDANT LEAVE THE STATE OR THE COUNTRY WHILE ON BOND?

You will have to get permission from the bonding office in writing before attempting to do so. If the court has given you direct instructions not to leave the state or country you must then get permission from the bail agent and the court before leaving. Otherwise you are subject to arrest.