FAQs

A bail bond is posted to ensure that a defendant in a criminal case shows up for court proceedings.  This includes preliminary hearings, arraignments, trials and at any other time directed by the court. 

The amount of bail includes a non refundable premium, and the total amount is based on the crime or crimes that the defendant has been accused of committing, as well as other factors, such as past offenses and additional reasons for the arrest. The amount of bail, therefore, will vary from a defendant to defendant, even though the base rate for the bail will be the same for each similar offense across Jefferson County. 

When an individual is arrested, generally, they will be taken to a local law enforcement station for processing and booking.

The defendant, or the person that is in jail, is required to post bail before he or she is released from jail. A sheriff of the county of apprehension sets the amount of the bond. The bond is designed to guarantee the appearance of a defendant in court at the appointed time. Posting bail though a bonding company, or surety bond, is the most popular form of release. This process involves a contractual undertaking between the governor of the state and an admitted bonding company having adequate assets to satisfy the face value of the bond. The bonding company guarantees to the court that they will pay the total amount of the bond if a defendant fails to appear in court. Prior to posting the bond, a friend or relative of the defendant is contacted to serve as a guarantor on the bond.

When posting bond through a bonding company, a co-signer or indemnitor is required. The co-signer acts as a financial guarantor and obligates himself to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the co-signer is obligated to turn the defendant into the bonding company to be surrendered. If the defendant has absconded, the co-signer is obligated to remit the full amount of the bond to the bonding company, who pays it in the courts. The bonding company can be reasonably assured that the defendant released on a surety bond will appear for court by involving the friends and family of the defendant. Soon after a friend or a family member of the defendant has co-signed for the defendant, the bail agent will sign the defendant’s bond.

The defendant will be released after the bail agent posts the bond. However, release times vary from jail to jail. It usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours to be released. 

One Call Away Bail Bonds will do everything possible to expedite the release of your loved one. Unfortunately, however, it is very little that we can do after we sign the bond. The city and county jails, nationwide, each have their own protocol. Rest assured, we are here to answer every question and ease every fear.

We want to help people get out of jail and back home. We will do everything reasonably possible to help. In many situations we can work out a payment plan or accept merchandise as payment or security. Please ask one of our friendly agents how we can help get you out of jail.