If you or a loved one has been arrested in Aurora, Colorado, you may need to post bail to be released from custody until your court date. Bail is a sum of money or property paid to the court to guarantee that the defendant will appear when required. In some cases, you may be able to post bail directly to the court, but if you cannot afford the full amount, you may need to obtain a bail bond. Here’s what you need to know about bail bonds in Aurora.
What is a Bail Bond?
A bail bond is a contract between a bail bond agent and a defendant or co-signer. The bail bond agent agrees to post the full amount to the court in exchange for a non-refundable fee, typically 10% of the bail amount. If you or a loved one needs a bail bonds in Aurora, For reliable and professional bail bond services, contact us today to discuss your options and get started. The defendant or co-signer must also sign the bail bond contract, agreeing to appear in court when required.
How Does a Bail Bond Work in Aurora?
In Aurora, you can contact a licensed bail bond agent if you cannot afford to pay the full bail amount. The agent will require you to provide some basic information about the defendant and the charges and down payment for the bail bond fee, typically 10% of the bail amount.
Once the bail bond agent has this information, they will post the full bail amount to the court, and the defendant will be released from custody.
However, it is important to note that the defendant must still appear in court when required or risk forfeiting the bail amount.
If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bail bond agent may hire a bounty hunter to locate and return the defendant to custody. The defendant or co-signer will pay any fees associated with the bounty hunter’s services.
What Are the Risks of Obtaining a Bail Bond?
While obtaining a bail bond can be useful for getting out of jail while awaiting trial, risks are involved. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the co-signer may be held financially responsible for the full bail amount.
In addition, the bail bond fee is typically non-refundable, even if the charges are dropped, or the case is dismissed.
Before proceeding, it is important to consider the risks and benefits of obtaining a bail bond. Consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney is always best if you have any doubts or concerns.
Types of Bail Bonds
Several different types of bail bonds are available in Aurora, including surety bonds, cash bonds, and property bonds. Surety bonds are the most common type of bail bond and involve a third-party bail bond agent posting bail on behalf of the defendant. Cash bonds involve paying the full bail amount directly to the court, while property bonds involve using the property as collateral to secure the bail amount.
Bail Bond Fees
When obtaining a bail bond in Aurora, you must pay a non-refundable fee to the bail bond agent. This fee is typically 10% of the total bail amount. For example, if bail is set at $10,000, you would need to pay a fee of $1,000 to the bail bond agent.
It is important to understand that this fee is separate from the bail amount and will not be refunded, even if the charges are dropped or the case is dismissed.
The Bail Process in Aurora
The bail process in Aurora can be complex and time-consuming. After an arrest, the defendant will be taken to a local jail or detention center.
A judge or magistrate will set bail based on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the defendant’s criminal history, and their flight risk. Once bail has been set, the defendant or a co-signer can contact a licensed bail bond agent to obtain a bail bond.
Consequences of Failing to Appear in Court
If the defendant fails to appear in court as required, they may be charged with bail jumping or failure to appear. In addition, the co-signer may be held financially responsible for the full bail amount. If the defendant is located and returned to custody, the bail bond agent may charge additional fees for their services.
Working with a Bail Bond Agent
Working with a licensed and reputable bail bond agent is important when obtaining a bail bond in Aurora.
A good bail bond agent can explain the bail process and answer any questions you may have. They will also provide support and assistance throughout the court process.
Conclusion
Suppose you or a loved one has been arrested in Aurora; understanding how bail bonds work can be critical to securing your release from custody.
While obtaining a bail bond can be useful, it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits before proceeding. Working with a licensed bail bond agent and consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the bail process and protect your rights.