Unfortunately, crimes are something we cannot 100% eradicate, but the good thing is there is the police force and the state courts to regulate them. With a fifth of the national population to have been served a sentence in their lifetime, the odds are high that one of your loved ones could be the person in question. It is, therefore, wise to prepare for such times to know what you need to get your loved one out of jail.
One of the most likely ways to make the court allow your loved one to be free again is through bail bonds. But, even with all the information on the Internet about this matter, Utah bail bond agents noted that it could still get challenging knowing what exactly bail bonds entail and the role you can play.
Understanding bail bonds
Courts issue bail bonds to give defendants the opportunity to be free again, as they wait for further investigations in their case. Typically, the defendant should facilitate the payment and clear it within 48 hours from the time of arrest. If they are not in a position to facilitate this payment (if they are in custody, for instance), their friends or loved ones can decide to clear the bail within the set time. It is only after posting bail that the defendant can leave jail.
However, the court will require the defendant to meet certain conditions after they leave jail. That could include being within the court’s reach should it need to communicate with the defendant. In addition, the defendant should attend — without fail — all proceedings that the court asks them to attend. But, should the defendant be seriously ill or otherwise incapacitated, the court can reschedule the proceedings. However, the defendant should communicate that early before the date of the court proceedings.
Must you pay the bail?
Well, no. If you want your loved one to remain in jail until the final hearing of their court case, you can give up posting bail. But, why do that while you have the chance to give them the freedom you also enjoy? Again, being free provides the defendant with enough time and space to prepare for their defense. Unless their employer or company stakeholders do not allow it, the defendant can also continue working and earn an income. The defendant can also enjoy the company of their family. Also, bail gives the defendant the chance to amend their relationships should the court sentence them to jail.
Other conditions
The court could serve your loved one a cash bail bond, which will require you to pay the sum in full cash. Unless your Utah bail bond agent does not shy away from these bonds, you will have to foot the entire amount in person. Most bail bondsman, however, are okay with paying surety bonds. Surety bail bonds are for felonies and other serious crimes. For that reason, they attract huge amounts than cash bonds do.
A bail bond is a good thing to know, but remember that it doesn’t apply to everyone. Even while you learn your role in posting bail for a defendant loved one, understand that there are instances when the court may deny your loved one bail.
