Bail vs Bonds: What’s the Difference?

 We often use the words bail and bond interchangeably. Though they might seem similar, they’re very different in legal terms. You should know the difference between them if you or a loved one has to stand trial.

This article will help you understand key differences between the two terms and what they mean.



Why Do We Need Bails and Bonds?

Before we understand the difference between bails and bonds, we need to understand why they’re warranted. When someone is arrested, they have to wait a lot of time till the actual court date. This is where bail and bonds come in. A person can post bail if their judge determines that the defendant can leave.

What Is Bail?

Bail is a cash payment that the defendant pays to the court. It’s a guarantee that the defendant will appear in court when called. The defendant gets the bail back after trial if they fulfill all requirements. The court keeps the bail if the defendant fails to show up and issues an arrest warrant.

What Is a Bond?

Bonds are a pledge to make good on bail when the defendant can't afford it. A third party (bond agents or bondsmen) agrees to take responsibility for the money. They also ensure the court that the defendant would show up at the hearing. The money paid for the services isn't given back.

Differences between Bond and Bail

Who Makes the Payment?

The defendant pays the bail on their own. It's an actual agreement between the defendant and the government. They sign to return for any hearings until they’re called for trial.

However, when the defendant seeks a bond, the bondsman pledges to make good on the bail. If the defendant doesn't return for court hearings, the bondsman pays the bail fee in full.

Payment Mode

The bail amount can only be made in cash. But a bond is a set fee approved by a bondsman. Bonds aren’t money; they’re actually a legal document sent to the court by an authorized company.

When a defendant seeks a bond, they pay the bondsman 10% of the bail amount. They also have to put up collateral security like real estate or jewelry.

 



Refund Details

The bail money is given back after court proceedings if the defendant does everything they're supposed to do. It doesn’t matter if the person is ruled guilty or not. They’re forfeited if the person doesn’t show up for hearings. However, money paid to the bond agent isn’t given back because it’s considered a fee.

Ron Davis Insurance is an insurance company and bail bondsman that operates all over Indiana. You can sign up for bail bonds at a low 8% rate!

They provide bail bonds in LaPorte, Whitley, LaGrange, Noble, Pulaski, and Elkhart. You can even get your bonds processed over the phone!

You can learn more about their bail bonds on their website.

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