Question #1 – What information should I have readily available before contacting a bail bondsman?
Answer: The defendant’s name, what jail the person is in, what are the charges, is the person already out on bond or is on probation, how long has he lived in the area.

Question #2 – How do I get a bail bond?
Answer:The are 3 forms of release. 1)You can post a cash bond at the jail which means paying the full face value of the bond. 2)You can contact a local bondsman and pay the 10% of any bond over $1000. Bonds under $1000 have a flat fee of $100 3) you can see the judge the next day to see if you qualify to be released on your own recognizance.

Question #3 – Do I get my bail money back?
Answer:When posting a bond with a bail bond agency the bond premium is non refundable. You are paying for freedom not results. When paying the full amount at the jail and the case gets dropped then you are entitled to a full refund. If you’re found guilty then the court will deduct court fees and fines from the cash bond.

Question #4 – Can the defendant leave the state or country?
Answer: The defendant cannot leave the jurisdiction of the court without permission from the court or the bondsman unless they are authorized to leave

Question #5 – Is there a discount or a discounted bail bonds rate?
Answer: There is no discount the rates are set by the state of Florida

Question #6 – What types of collateral are accepted?
Answer: Types of collateral: Home mortgage, Car title, Stocks, Cash, some take jewelry.

Question #7 – Can a defendant change their court date?
Answer: No! The only way to change a court date is if an attorney files a motion or the judge changes the court date. Defendants must show to their scheduled court date otherwise a warrant will be issued for their arrest.

Question #8 – What if I miss my court date because I am in the hospital?
Answer: Somebody must call the court and tell them the defendant is hospitalized.
Proof of hospitalization will be required.

Question #9 – What if I do not show up for my scheduled court appearance?
Answer: A warrant for your arrest will be issued.

Question #10 – What if I am in jail in one county and miss my scheduled court date in another county?
Answer: Somebody must call the court and tell them you are in jail in another county and show proof.

Question #11 Can I take my name off the bond?Answer: Yes, you can. You can pay full collateral for the bond or present another qualified, new indemnitor who will take over the responsibility for the bond.

Question #12: How do I find out when my court date is?
Answer: You can easily go online to the clerk of court website for the corresponding county in which your case originates from.

Question #13: How long does it take for the defendant to get released after I pay for the bond?
Answer: There is no set amount of hours for release. Processing times vary with each county jail.

Question #14: Do I need to check in with my bondsman?
Answer: Yes. As a condition of bond, the defendant must check in with his bondsman as soon as he / she has been released from jail.

Question #15: Can I bond out an individual if he is currently on probation or if they have an ongoing criminal case pending?
Answer: Normally, the jail will put a hold on the defendant making it mandatory that the defendant present himself in front of the judge. The judge will make the final decision as to the defendant being eligible for bond or not.